‘Great time’ had at Brighton Gala Day

amilies soak up the sun while enjoying the entertainment  at the Brighton Gala Day yesterday....
amilies soak up the sun while enjoying the entertainment at the Brighton Gala Day yesterday. Photos: Gerard O'Brien
Taekwondo teacher Hayden Breese kicks through a board held by fellow practitioner Mark Baldwin.
Taekwondo teacher Hayden Breese kicks through a board held by fellow practitioner Mark Baldwin.
Enjoying a ride are (from left) Jemma West  (13), Ellen Mamier (15) and Ploy Promyot(13), all of...
Enjoying a ride are (from left) Jemma West (13), Ellen Mamier (15) and Ploy Promyot(13), all of Mosgiel.
Brighton-born motocross rider Blake Fox shows his stuff.
Brighton-born motocross rider Blake Fox shows his stuff.
Colby McAra-Peach (3) has an ice-cream induced attack of ‘‘brain freeze’’.
Colby McAra-Peach (3) has an ice-cream induced attack of ‘‘brain freeze’’.
My Kitchen Rules New Zealand finalists Jess Mackay (left) and Cindy Holmes cook up a storm.
My Kitchen Rules New Zealand finalists Jess Mackay (left) and Cindy Holmes cook up a storm.

The weather turned it on for the annual day where sleepy Brighton becomes a vibrant playground. 

Brighton Gala Day organiser Colin Weatherall said 12,500 people came through the gates yesterday to sample food, laze in front of the stage and whizz around on rides.

The turnout was up on last year but not up to the record set five years ago, which was close to 15,000.

The sunny weather and slight breeze was "just a regular day in Brighton", he said.

"It’s always nice here. People are having a great time."

The event, which is in its 23rd year, had not  changed much over the years.

"Although the crowd arrive earlier and earlier. There were people walking around at 9.30[am]."

As was usual for the event, traffic was backed up for about 2km at times as drivers slowly secured car parks.

"Again we apologise to our community for the lack of car parking space ... I would love to find a farm of 500 car parks, but it is one day a year."

There were 185 stall holders at the event, which was on the "upper end" of the average turnout.

A bit of "high-level noise" was created at one stage and by the helicopters, Mr Weatherall said.

"But that’s life".

jono.edwards@odt.co.nz

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