Mindful of last year's weather-beyond-wellies washout and the previous day's downpours, the committee met on the Howdale at 8am to consider their options and decided to forge ahead with the Hi-de-Hi holiday camp-themed event.

"There's so much planning and hard work that goes into an event like this and while there was a chance of some dry weather we chose to go ahead," said Paula Kellingray, festival committee chairman, relieved that everything went off as planned.

There were a few showers and it was very windy all afternoon, but we had between 2,000 and 3,000 people who came along and stayed. We've had bigger crowds, but we were very happy with the turnout, considering the weather," she added.

The parade of floats through the town was led by the Peterborough Highland Band and featured a few local floats and several classic and vintage vehicles, with members of King's Lynn Community Samba Band completing the line-up.

Ring events included a high-fall show by stuntman Mark Stannage, along with the gravity-defying tricks and stunts of solo mountain bike and motorbike stunt man, Jez Avery, who even managed to give his own commentary during his performances.

Other attractions included fairground rides, a fun fair, and an assortment of stalls and sideshows, with several local charity stalls.

Busy preparing and serving refreshments most of the afternoon were members of Downham Chamber of Trade.

Prizes were awarded to Downham Jets Swimming Club for the best decorated float, and to Macmillan Cancer Support for the most attractive charity stand.

Downham Citizen of the Year winner, Mrs Mary Rose, was announced at the Festival cake-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

She was chosen by a panel of judges representing town groups and organisations and holds the title for a year.

Mrs Rose is chairman of Downham's Methodist Church Social Centre which, among other things, dishes up cooked lunches and desserts providing nutritious meals and companionship.

She received the award for this and her other charitable works in the town.

Festival committee member Mr Ray Wales said: "She's a really deserving winner and this is a way of thanking her on behalf of the town."

Although pleased with the event, organisers are hoping for sunnier weather and even larger crowds for the Family Fun Day on the Howdale tomorrow.

This event will include a car boot sale, an action-packed afternoon programme, and lots of traditional fun events, and a donkey derby organised by the Rotary Club of Downham.