IT may have been grey and overcast but the inclement weather did little to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for a historic market town’s annual celebration.

This year’s Framlingham Gala was a huge success – culminating yesterday with the usual parade to Castle Meadow.

It was led by the Leiston Royal British Legion Band and also featured the three Gala Princesses.

The theme for 2010 was “The World of Sport” and everyone played their part by dressing up.

Winners of this year’s competition were the local women’s institute, who came dressed in rugby gear.

The event is organised by Framlingham Sports Club and proceeds will go towards maintaining facilities and new equipment.

Sid Vice, chairman of Framlingham Gala, said yesterday: “We have had a very, very good crowd.

“We had a bit of an inclement weekend and when I woke up this morning I thought ‘here we go again’ but we have had a great turnout. Everyone is having a good time. It’s brilliant.”

The festivities kicked off on Sunday with a craft fair and art exhibition, while there was also a performance from Martlesham Brass Band, and the Framlingham Bowmen encouraged people to try their hand at archery.

The fun continued yesterday with music from the Ipswich Community Wind Band, a car boot sale and a range of entertainment including the Tigers Children’s Motor Cycle Team, the Thomas Mills High School cheerleaders, traditional races for youngsters and a fair.

Mr Vice also wanted to stress that an incident that happened on Friday night in which a man was hurt – reported by police to have happened a the gala – was not associated with the event. “We start on Sunday at 10am,” he said. “Friday was nothing to do with the gala.”