Pictures: Soggy Sunday doesn’t dampen spirits at Bideford Water Festival

Rain did not dampen the spirits of spectators or participants as the annual Bideford Water Festival took place yesterday on a rather soggy Sunday but raised thousands for local good causes.

The popular event, which included all the chaos and humour of the Cardboard Boat Race, took place around Bideford Quay and was organised by Bideford Rotary Club, which is celebrating a centenary of service to the community.

This year’s theme of ‘Sailing Through Time: 100 Years of Bideford Rotary’ was reflected in the 27 cardboard boat entries and a fancy dress parade, judged by the Mayor of Bideford, Councillor Peter Lawrence.

Above: The Sailing Through Time theme was perfectly captured by this Waverley inspired entry into the cardboard boat race. Credit: Graham Hobbs

Above: Bideford Mayor Peter Lawrence, left, shares a laugh with cardboard boat race contestants. Credit: Graham Hobbs

Bideford Rotary president-elect Michael Gloor, who organised this year’s festival with the help of club members, said: “This year’s Water festival was incredibly successful, despite a lot of obstacles and some dicey Devon weather.

“This is our main event to raise funds which we distribute locally and internationally and this year we raised over £12,000 for local projects and over £500 for Rotary International. This is a tribute to the generosity of our community and visitors.

“Our sincere thanks go out to all the participants, volunteers, vendors and entertainers who gave their time and energy to this very worthy cause. It was fun, entertaining, busy, rewarding and at times a very soggy day!”

**** See more pictures in the gallery above, courtesy of Graham Hobbs ****