THE weather was fine, as it always seems to be at Easton village fete, with hundreds of people pouring in.

Held on Easton’s cricket ground there was no shortage of events and activities to keep the crowds entertained.

The compere for the event on Bank Holiday Monday (August 29) was BBC newsman Robert Hall who lives in the village.

He introduced many of the events and provided a commentary as volunteers were pelted with sponges in Ye Easton Stocks.

Those who braved the barrage included Itchen Valley Rector, The Rev Andrew Micklefield, who opened the fete.

Also taking a turn in the stocks was BBC presenter Roger Johnson, along with Winchester MP, Steve Brine, who lives in Easton.

Apart from the wet sponges, he had a dry afternoon as the rain clouds held off.

Mr Brine said: “I’ve been coming here for about eight years now and I don’t think it’s ever rained.”

He added: “It’s a great village event and virtually everyone is involved in some way in making it happen, which is why it’s such a success.”

Other fete-goers included Cllr Jackie Porter, who represents the area on Hampshire County Council.

She said: “It’s always been a wonderful event and there are so many excellent stalls here, especially the books stall, which my husband particularly likes.”

Other stalls included those selling hot dogs, bric-a-brac, glassware, cakes, Jude’s Ice Cream and other refreshments.

Activities included golf putting, go-kart rides, shove ha’penny, coconut shy, fairground rides and a bouncy castle.

There was also a display of rare cars including classic Morgans and Volkswagens along with a vintage Rolls Royce and a 1912 Napier.

Nearby there were rare and historic motorbikes along with a military jeep and even a helicopter.

Churchwarden Judy Bishop, who is one of the organisers, said: “The Easton fete has wonderful amount of support and almost everyone in the village is involved.”

Last year’s event raised more than £6,000 and proceeds from this year are now being counted.

It could be a bumper year as all 500 programmes available on the main gate were sold within the first hour.

Proceeds will be split equally between the village church, hall and cricket club.