IT was a muddy affair at Brighouse Charity Gala.
But despite the rumbling thunder and showers, thousands poured out to enjoy one of the biggest events in the Brighouse calendar.
Stalls from charities across West Yorkshire raised much needed cash while families enjoyed all the fun of the fair.
Children had fun with a whole host of entertainment including go-karts, climbing walls, donkey rides and a dog show.
And special dancing and singing performances were laid on by Rastrick Stage Screen and Academy.
The rain came down in sheets just after the parade, which was lead by gala queen Emilie Large.
She said: “It has been a fantastic day despite the rain.
“Loads of people have come out and enjoyed themselves.
“It is a very important day for all the charities that come here and its good to see so many people support it.”
Emilie officially opened the gala following the procession, which travelled from Garden Road Recreation Area to the gala site at Wellholme Park.
In addition to a number of marching bands the procession cavalcade was made up of brightly dressed floats, walking groups of all ages, fancy dress contestants, a gymnastic troop and majorettes.
Some trucks and lorries that were parked in Wellholme Park had to be towed by 4x4 vehicles to ensure they didn’t get stuck.
The front field was a haven for the sports mad, with activities put on by Asda Active and Change4Life, the eat well campaign.
And the back field was home to hundreds of charity stalls including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Christian African Relief Trust.
Trustee for Huddersfield-based CART, Glenn Stewart, was bringing people to his tombola dressed as Scooby-Doo.
He said: “This is by far the biggest event in our calendar.
“It’s a great event and we have had loads coming over despite the mud and rain.
“We have been doing the gala 10 years now and it is events like this that helped our charity grow.
“We started of as one man with a banana box sending stuff to Africa and now we send about 25 to 26 containers every year.”
Chair of the Brighouse and Rastrick RAF branch John Clarke said: “Last year we raised between £200 and £250, which was great.
“This year it was very unpredictable, but hopefully we have made enough.”
Ground chairman Peter Edwards said they hoped to donate thousands to charity from this year’s gala once takings have been counted.
