SPIRITS were not dampened despite the weather as Halstead’s annual summer fair returned.

Hundreds of guests were left singing in the rain as the event witnessed a rainy Saturday.

The fair was back in the public gardens for just its third outing since its launch in 2019.

Halstead Gazette: ALL SMILES: The rain didn't dampen spiritsALL SMILES: The rain didn't dampen spirits (Image: Tony Sale)

The Covid-19 pandemic led to a break in the event, before the fair returned last summer.

The event team is made up of lead organiser Linda Smith, alongside Heather Pittuck, David Rosoman and Andy Munday.

Halstead Gazette: KEEN EYE: A little one enjoying face painting at the fairKEEN EYE: A little one enjoying face painting at the fair (Image: Tony Sale)

Linda said: “The day was great, despite the awful weather.

“The community still turned out and supported us as they always do, but this time with wellies, brollies and raincoats.

“I’d say about 500 came along throughout the day.

Halstead Gazette: PERFECT WEATHER: Fishing for ducks in the rainPERFECT WEATHER: Fishing for ducks in the rain (Image: Tony Sale)

“The only effect the weather had on the day was some cancellations, but it didn’t affect the enjoyment factor for those who attended.

“We had a children’s treasure hunt and a raffle which had £100 as the first prize.

"Lots of the charity stalls had tombolas or hook-a-duck, face painting and Dazzle the Dragon.

Halstead Gazette: HOLD ON: A wet and wild tug of warHOLD ON: A wet and wild tug of war (Image: Tony Sale)

“There was also the tug-of-war challenge, won by the Halstead Templars, and the dog show, which was won by English bulldog Dave.

“We had AJ Sounds playing tunes all day and the Big Sing Choir were fabulous.

Halstead Gazette: WINNING TEAM: The Halstead Templars were victorious in the tug of warWINNING TEAM: The Halstead Templars were victorious in the tug of war (Image: Tony Sale)

“Sadly, there were quite a few stallholder cancellations this year, but we still had a great selection, such as knitted, quilted and crocheted items, crafts, paintings, local groups, organisations and charities, as well as food and drink.

“Thanks to everyone who took part, all the stallholders who braved the weather and everyone who joined us on the day.”

Halstead Gazette: ON SONG: The Big Sing Choir performing on the bandstandON SONG: The Big Sing Choir performing on the bandstand (Image: Tony Sale)

Linda is now looking on to the next fair.

She said: “It’s now time to start organising the Christmas fair, which will be on Saturday, November 25, from 10am-4pm.

“This year we will have Santa’s Grotto tucked away somewhere, where the children can have a picture with Santa and receive a small gift.

“There will also be a great selection of stalls and entertainment during the day.”