Fêtes and flower shows capture the essence of our summertime, despite the all-too-often inclement weather. This week's selection of photos ranges far and wide over our region to celebrate two very British traditions.

1. Radio and television personality Peter West has a go on the Rotary stall at Beccles Hospital Fête, sometime in the early 1960s.

2. Elveden Hall provides a suitably grand venue for the local church fête in 1962.

3. The Lions Club fête in 1964 was blessed with warm sunshine, as this slightly elevated photo shows.

4. All the fun of the fête was had in this bowling game at the Royal British Legion fundraising event on Coltishall Common in 1973.

5. That old favourite fixture, a Donkey Derby, attracted a fair number of young entrants at Lowestoft fête in 1976 – though No. 5 seems to have taken a bit of a tumble.

6. The Queen Mother, accompanied by Princess Margaret, is escorted round the Sandringham Estate Cottages Horticultural Show by Mr C.H. Cook, show chairman, in 1953.

7. The Chrysanthemum Show at St. Andrew's Hall later in 1953 boasted some spectacular arrangements of blooms and an admiring audience.

8. This arrangement from Worlingham Flower Show is clearly of significance to the judges who are pointing something out to our photographer – but, alas, our picture has no caption or date, though it appears to be from the early 1960s. Can readers assist?

9. Judges Mr. William Peachman (left) and Mr. Fred Twaite pick out this fuchsia as best in show, at Hellesdon Horticultural Association show in 1974.

10. St German's Church near King's Lynn held its fifth annual flower festival to coincide with the church fête in 1992. In our photo Robin Press (right) and Jean Green are carrying flowers into the church beforehand.

To view the gallery click the link at the top right of this page.