It was the third consecutive year that the event, which is provided for the community by Sprowston Parish Council, had been interrupted by rain.

But council clerk June Hunt said it was still very busy with all of the 1500 programmes sold out.

She said: 'We had thousands of people again so it was well attended. This the fourth year it's been running, and the third year in a row when it's rained, but it does not dampen the spirit of people in Sprowston.'

Among the attractions at the fete, which was held at the recreation ground, were 'land zorbing' and a climbing wall which proved popular with children including Ben Horth, six, who was there with his mother Sacha Holmes, both from Sprowston.

Jack Beckett, eight, also from Sprowston, also enjoyed climbing the wall, and was watched enthusiastically by parents Janice and Sean Beckett.

Mrs Beckett said: 'Jack was desperate to come. He wanted to see the Star Wars characters, climb the wall and he loves candy floss. He was also keen on rolling around in one of the zorbs. We can also get some lunch here.'

Pearl Kemp, from Foxburrow Road, Sprowston, said her family always supported the Sprowston fete.

'This is a good fete and they have a lovely selection of stalls,' she said.

It was also a good day out for her grandson, Kieran Spurgeon, three, who won an inflatable hammer and gun.

Other attractions included archery, face painting, football competitions, bouncy castles, a mega slide, and family games in the arena.