IT was a festival of two sides one happy, the other hopping mad.

Although smiling faces outnumbered the frowns at Wootton Bassett's annual High Street Festival, it was a close contest.

While weekend shoppers were glad of the extra stalls and entertainment on offer, many local traders resented their presence especially the controversial French market.

As stilt walkers, clowns and balloon artists filled the High Street, dozens of shopkeepers staged an impromptu protest.

Don Saunders, 66, who owns the local greengrocers, said: "It is chaos. We have nothing against the charity stalls. But the farmers are going nuts about the French market."

But the lively bustle brought back fond memories for former resident Gwyn Lloyd.

Gwyn, 75, attended the town's silver jubilee celebrations 25 years ago and travelled all the way from Kent to reminisce on Saturday with his wife, Margaret.

He said: "I am thrilled to be here again. Everything is more modern this time round.

"Pop music has replaced the traditional live brass band and hot dogs are for sale instead of having an ox and pig roast."

Margaret, 71, remembers there being fewer fairground rides and more picnics to toast the silver jubilee.

Surrounded by giant games like Connect Four, karaoke, a bouncy castle and snow machine, the couple discovered new forms of fun.

She said: "Everything seems more geared towards the youth of today. Still, we are having a lovely time."

The colourful festival certainly proved a hit with the teenage audience.

Hollie Turnbull, 16, said: "The music is upbeat and has brightened up my day. I have bought some cakes and really enjoyed myself."

This positive note was supported by her friend, Toni Atkins, 16.

"The fairground atmosphere makes a pleasant change. It is nice to relax and simply browse around the street," she added.

And the Saunders family were equally pleased with the jubilee jollities.

Mother-of-two Linda, 37, said: "It is a great way to bring the community together. We came with our cousins and there has been a good range of activities to try."

Her five-year-old son, Sonny, tucked into some candyfloss and daughter, Shannon, eight, had a ride on an aeroplane roundabout.

"It was quite exciting," Shannon said.

Defending the occasion, Johnathan Bourne, town clerk and an event organiser, insisted the aim was to provide a fun-packed day.

He added: "I have seen several Union Jack shirts and people seem to be entering jubilee spirits."

And the French protested their innocence in spoiling the festivities.

Delicatessen assistant Angelique Boulestin, 18, from Rouen, said: "Everyone is adoring our food and asking if we are coming back next year."

But given the response from shop owners, their return could be a recipe for future revolution.