CROWDS flocked to the Huntingdon Riverside Gala on Saturday, where they were treated to a vast range of entertainment, from a dog show to a World War II flypast from a Spitfire plane.

One of the most poplar attractions during the sunny afternoon was the hydro balls – children and adults climbed inside clear plastic bubbles floating on a pool of water to test their strength and stamina.

Committee member Rhiannon Sarginson said: “This was a real family fun day. The Gala is an opportunity for local groups to get together and show the public what they have on offer.

“The event just goes from strength to strength, with lots more groups taking part, and the number of visitors growing each year.”

The gala is run by four groups, Hinchingbrooke Rotary Club, Huntingdon Town Council, Huntingdon Boat Club, and the Wood Green Animal Shelter.

President of the Rotary Club, Mike Humphrey, said: “We ran the tea tent and ran out of cakes, and raised about �300 for local charities. I hope other groups had the same success; the carnival is a vehicle for local organisations to raise funds.”

Committee member Malcolm Lyons added: “The committee really pulled together to make the day successful. We are very grateful to all the organisations, including the charities and community groups who took part. Without their support, we wouldn’t have a gala.”

Entertainment was provided in two arenas. In the first, Wood Green Animal Shelter ran a fun dog show that has become a real favourite of gala, attracting lots of canines who were put through their paces, including a competition to find the best biscuit catcher.

In the second arena, there were displays from the boxing club, The Blue Vision Twirlers, the Wendy Burke School of Dance, and some exotic belly dancers. A children’s fancy dress competition had the theme “A Royal Wedding.”

Luminus sponsored the live music stage, with local bands performing everything from indie to jazz; and Huntingdonshire District Council ran a “come and have a go” event, for children to try their hand at a variety of outdoor sports.

Next year’s carnival is already being planned – it will be on June 9, and a Facebook page has already been set up for people wanting to get involved.