THOUSANDS of villagers descended upon Fingringhoe for the 80th annual Five Parishes Show.

The event, at Fingringhoe Ranges, off Mersea Road, features more than 60 stalls and sideshows, dog and birds of prey displays, plus a horse show.

There was also tightrope and stiltwalking, a samba school, dog dancing, kite flying, displays by Colchester Model Aircraft Club and Colchester History Alive, go-kart racing and a horticutural show.

Sally Abbott, one of the organisers, said: “It was a great success and we were lucky with the weather, considering how this year has been.

“It takes a lot of organisation but it is worthwhile when you see so many smiling people telling you how good it has been.

“People come back, year after year, but we always get new people through the door.”

Ms Abbott also praised the quality of entries in the competition marquee, which featured fruit, veg, produce and craft categories for all ages.

She added: “We have already had many requests from people wanting to enter next year.”

A brief spell of thunder and rain at 2am on Sunday failed to put off the crowds, who just kept coming. Money raised on the day goes to funds the following year’s event, with any surplus being shared by local charities.