�Rain and windy weather failed to dampen the spirits of the Mardyke community at their summer festival.

The event at Newtons School in Lowen Road, Rainham, was hit by several downpours throughout Saturday, but still went ahead as planned and was attended by an estimated 600 people.

Lesley Blowers, manager of Mardyke Community Centre, said: “We got washed out a couple of times but it still went very well.

“We did have a few more last year and the weather probably did put some people off, but it was still very good.”

Only one dance act in the original line-up, a group of children, ended up not performing because they were rained off stage and left the event before the weather brightened up.

Ballet

There were five dance performances in total offering a mix of street dance, ballroom, ballet, tap and zumba, which the crowd were invited to join in with.

The Rainham Newton Majorettes also did a display.

Lesley said: “Everybody dived into the hall when it rained. A couple of gazebos were blown over because it was windy as well. But then the sun came out and everybody went back outside and the rest of the acts carried on.”

A giant inflatable slide, circus workshop, charity stalls, barbecue and other activities were also able to continue.

Lesley said the Roger Arnay circus workshop was particularly popular, offering visitors the cha-nce to try their hand at juggling, stilt-walking and tightrope-walking.