In fact some events like the Festival Gymkhana were run in unbroken sunshine to the delight of both organisers and participants.

Frank Hurrell, vice-chairman of Randalstown ARCHES Association which organises the festival in conjunction with local groups and volunteers, commented: “We started off with good weather but as the week went on it deteriorated a bit. However, even on Saturday, the worst day of the week, we managed to get a few hours when it was dry overhead and that was just enough to allow the Finale Parade to get through the town. How lucky can you get!

“The whole week went really well and we are pleased to see that there has been increased interest and participation by local businesses which is very welcome.

“We would like to thank all who supported our festival in any way – event organisers, volunteer helpers, sponsors, funders, participants, spectators. Everybody’s contribution, no matter what form it takes, is very important to us because that is what makes our community festival the success it is and the envy of many other towns in the province.”

A major feature of Randalstown’s Festival is the mid-week Duck Race, of which the winners this year were: 1st Daniel McCormick; 2nd David Bates: 3rd Whitney Ross; 4th Snookie; 5th Ian Elliott.

Saturday evening was the Grand Finale Parade with horses, vehicles, fancy dress and floats.

Fancy Dress winners this year were: Best Overall – “Teenagers” (Megan and Michael McKenna); Most Original – “Buffy and the Vampire” (Danielle Galloway and James Murray); Most Amusing – “Goody in the Hoody” (Conor McKenna) and “Where’s My Mummy?” (Andrew Kennedy).

Floats were judged as follows: Best Junior Float – “Surfing the Web”; Most Original – “Stink and Diesel Dodger”; Most Amusing – “Emmerdale”; Most Festive – “Beach Belles”.

Randalstown Arches Community Festival is funded by Antrim Borough Council, the Community Festivals Fund, the Enkalon Foundation and the Lower Bann Partnership and by sponsorship from local businesses and individuals.