FOLK donned their waterproofs and shook out their umbrellas, determined to enjoy Stratton Festival whatever the weather on Saturday.

Gloomy skies and bouts of rain failed to prevent them turning up in force to the Grange Leisure centre for an afternoon of entertainment.

Parish council chairman Joe Tray, who was on hand to talk to residents about the work of his council colleagues, said: “It has been brilliant – typical English spirit. They are going to enjoy it, weather be damned.”

The ale and cider festival was going well “because it doesn’t rain in the beer tent” and the event, staged for the fifth year, had managed to attracts people from all over Swindon, not just the Stratton area.

He was particularly grateful to council and Grange Leisure workers who had worked to stage the festival, which helped to raise money for the chairman’s chosen charity, the Alzheimer’s Society.

“I’m really amazed with the amount of effort the staff of the leisure centre and the council have put in.”

And while the weather was disappointing, ”for four years we had glorious sunshine so we can’t complain.”

Live music from folk rockers Missin’ Rosie set toes tapping while canines strutted their stuff in the dog show. Storyteller Michael O’Leary entranced youngsters with tales and children made the most of the breaks between the rain to ride the fairground attractions.

A Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight provided an added attraction, swooping over the field to the delight of the crowd.

The festival continues next Saturday with the Stratton Stroll, starting at noon from the Kingsdown and moving to The Crown from 1pm, the New Inn from 2pm, and the Grange Bar from 3pm. It is at The Wheatsheaf from 4pm and at The Rat Trap from 7pm until late.