The weather came to the party as thousands turned out for the annual Brighton Gala at Brighton Domain yesterday.
An estimated crowd of more than 11,000 enjoyed warm and sunny weather as food stalls, bouncy castles, carnival games, helicopter and pony rides and live music featured throughout the day.
‘‘People are always very apprehensive about the weather but it stopped raining about 10am,'' co-organiser Scott Weatherall said.
‘‘Since then it's been primo weather, and the breeze has stayed away, which is important.''
About 190 stalls operated throughout the day, including about 30 food stalls, Mr Weatherall said.
‘‘There were no obvious standouts because there's something for everyone and that's what we were trying to achieve.''
Thousands took advantage of the ‘‘cost-effective'' helicopter rides, provided by Helicopters Otago, Mr Weatherall said.
Another highlight was the appearance of some of this year's Highlanders rugby squad, who took part in games and posed for photos with the Super 15 trophy the side won last year.
‘‘Everybody that came out had a good time.''
There was plenty to keep people occupied, including bumper boats, water rollers and trampoline bungees.
Ann Hibbs, of Mosgiel, was there with her family and said she had been the last three years.
‘‘It's fantastic. It's the highlight of our January.''Barbara O'Connor, from Berkshire in the UK, was also impressed.
‘‘It's quite full, it's very well-organised and there's something for everybody.
‘‘And thank goodness for the sunshine.''
Mr Weatherall said parking continued to be a problem and it was one organisers would probably never solve.
Parking and a shuttle service was provided from the Brighton Pony Club for $5 and it remained to be seen how popular that option had been, he said.
