NOT even the indifferent weather could prevent thousands of residents enjoying themselves at the Popley Festival yesterday.

Despite the grey skies and bouts of rain, people turned out in force on Sunday to get a taste of what was on offer at the popular annual festival, now in its 11th year.

And there was something for everyone.

The event was held in the grounds of John Hunt of Everest Community School and provided an opportunity for local community-based groups to run stalls that raised funds and awareness of their activities, and maybe attracted new volunteers too.

Scores took the opportunity, including Basingstoke Neighbourhood Care, STARescue, Popley Action Churches Together (PACT), local branches of the Boys Brigade, WEA, Basingstoke Air Scouts, the Adventure Ranger Corps and many more.

Stalls offered a range of raffles, tombolas, lucky dips and sale of goods. Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Gazette Newspapers and Basingstoke council also had representatives on show.

As well as stalls, there was a large Walls fun fair, a six-a-side football competition, face painting and a massive car boot sale, with more than 200 cars.

A high-quality feast of musical entertainment was also provided, ranging from gospel to rock and folk. The John Hunt Steel Pans and the Chineham Park Choir were among the performers.

However, the weather had given the organisers a dilemma at the start of the day.

"We had to decide whether to bring the charity stalls indoors, or take a gamble and leave them outside," said one of the event co-ordinators, Suki Binning. "We moved them inside the school - it was hard work, but it was the right decision."