ONE of the organisers of yesterday's successful Aquafest in Ely criticised 'nincompoops' who tipped a bucket of water over the mayor and her entourage as they sailed the River Great Ouse.

Eastern Daily Press: The sights, scenes and fun of Ely AquafestThe sights, scenes and fun of Ely Aquafest (Image: Archant)

Eric Grant, president of Ely Rotary Club, said the incident had marred a fantastic occasion.

Eastern Daily Press: The sights, scenes and fun of Ely AquafestThe sights, scenes and fun of Ely Aquafest (Image: Archant)

'It was absolutely disgraceful and I think the perpetrator should be given a police warning at the very least,' he said.

Eastern Daily Press: The sights, scenes and fun of Ely AquafestThe sights, scenes and fun of Ely Aquafest (Image: Archant)

'We can't allow that sort of behaviour.'

The mayor, Councillor Elaine Griffin-Singh, said: 'Well I'm quite used to people throwing things at me but I think the rotary clubs were not best pleased that their dignitaries were not respected.

'They were asked not to do it but I think people just get a little over-excited don't they?

'Other than that it was a brilliant day.

'People were in very high spirits and I hope that all of the charities did well because there was a lot of hard work that went into putting the event on.'

Mr Grant said apart from the incident involving the mayor, who had earlier opened events on both Lavender Green and Jubilee Gardens, everything went smoothly.

'It was a fantastic day, the stalls were brilliant and everybody reported a great success,' said Mr Grant.

'The raft races, as usual, were a particular highlight and we had 12 rafts taking part this year.

'The weather was glorious, almost a little too hot, but I think people thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

'I've certainly never experienced an Aquafest quite like it.'

Up to 8,000 are thought to have visited Ely for Aquafest, enjoying events that ranged from the City of Ely Military Band to martial arts, street dancing and keep fit demonstrations.