It is one of the biggest festivals in the region - and this year's Downham Market Water Festival welcomed thousands of visitors.

Eastern Daily Press: Downham Market Water Festival. Picture: Martin HayesDownham Market Water Festival. Picture: Martin Hayes (Image: Archant)

Now in its 11th year, Hythe Bridge was a hive of activity as families enjoyed the popular community event.

Fairground rides, 35 charity, craft and food stalls, and dance shows in the arena kept visitors entertained in between the main event - the Dragon Boat Challenge.

Last year's winners, Angels and Demons were unable to enter, but 11 teams took part in the race down the Great Ouse Relief Channel.

The winning team was Cirrhosis of the River, representing the East of England Ambulance Service.

Eastern Daily Press: The winning team, Cirrhosis of the River. Picture: Martin HayesThe winning team, Cirrhosis of the River. Picture: Martin Hayes (Image: Martin Hayes)

Martin Hayes, Downham Market Town Council community development officer, said: 'It went really well and we had around 3,000 to 4,000 people. The dragon boats were well supported and the viewing areas on the river bank were packed.

'It is a popular event and it will be running next year.'

Eastern Daily Press: Second place went to the Britstar team. Picture: Martin HayesSecond place went to the Britstar team. Picture: Martin Hayes (Image: Martin Hayes)

Eastern Daily Press: The Mad Hatters (John Chambers Windows Ltd) came in third place. Picture: Martin HayesThe Mad Hatters (John Chambers Windows Ltd) came in third place. Picture: Martin Hayes (Image: Martin Hayes)

Eastern Daily Press: Teams racing in the final. Picture: Martin HayesTeams racing in the final. Picture: Martin Hayes (Image: Martin Hayes)

Eastern Daily Press: Contestants boardinng and preparing for the race. Picture: Martin HayesContestants boardinng and preparing for the race. Picture: Martin Hayes (Image: Martin Hayes)

Eastern Daily Press: Cirrhosis celebrating their win. Picture: Martin HayesCirrhosis celebrating their win. Picture: Martin Hayes (Image: Martin Hayes)

Eastern Daily Press: The mayor Cllr Frank Daymond welcomes visitors to the water festival. Picture: Martin HayesThe mayor Cllr Frank Daymond welcomes visitors to the water festival. Picture: Martin Hayes (Image: Martin Hayes)

Eastern Daily Press: The mayor Cllr Frank Daymond welcomes visitors to the water festival. Picture: Martin HayesThe mayor Cllr Frank Daymond welcomes visitors to the water festival. Picture: Martin Hayes (Image: Martin Hayes)

Eastern Daily Press: logologo (Image: Martin Hayes)