PICTURES: rain doesn’t dampen festive spirits at Grand Village Fête

The poor weather failed to dampen the festive spirit, which saw welly-wearing families enjoy parades, vintage cars, music, stalls, competitions and a fun fair.

This year’s theme was ‘Carnival’ to celebrate the Olympics in Rio this summer.

The free event at Brimscombe and Thrupp Playing Field began with the choosing of the May Queen.

Cheltenham Beauty Queen 2014/15 Sophie Lydia Smith then set off the balloons with MP Neil Carmichael.

The many attractions throughout a jam-packed day included vintage bikes and cars, dog agility, Ambitions Street Dance and Aziza of Cheltenham Belly Dancers.

There was also a fun fair, auction, raffle, bungee run, go-karts, a tea tent, an all-day bar and a huge food court.

Competitions included the best juggler, town crier, jam doughnut eating, and of course, tearing up Argos catalogues, which was won by Will Bagley, 10.

Proud dad Paul Lemon saw his nine month old daughter Lilah take home the rosette for the most beautiful baby.

There was also ferret racing, gallopers, a tea cup ride, a coconut shy, a penalty-shoot-out competition, a pirate boat and a merry-go-round.

The judges this year were Rev Simon Topping, Rev Mike Clark, Lenny Håkansson, Rev Peter Francis, Rev Rosie Woodall and district councillor for Thrupp, Martin Whiteside, who took home second prize for the ‘knobbliest knees’ competition.

More than £5,000 was raised to support Christchurch Chalford, Brimscombe, Thrupp Schools, Thrupp Nursery, Jellybeans and the Football Club.

Since it was founded in 1989, the fête has raised in excess of £100,000 for local charities.

For more information please visit www.grandvillagefete.co.uk

• Photos by Simon Pizzey