Despite fears over the flooded ground leading up to the 2016 Barnes Fair, some superhuman last-minute adjustments meant the floral-themed event was one of the best in recent years.

With the rain holding off around 11,000 visitors descended on Barnes Green on Saturday, July 9 for the 42nd fair, which was run by the Barnes Community Association (BCA).

Organiser Charlotte Sharpe-Neal said: “The weather has been terrible this summer but we were so lucky it held off.

“We had a lot of visitors, so the 300 or so stalls we had all did well, and we’ve had lots of emails and phone calls from residents who have told us how much they enjoyed it.

“It wasn’t scorching, but it was much nicer than it might have been.

“The Friends of Barnes Common created beautiful hanging baskets and displays for the Barnes Community Association marquee and the floats in the Grand Parade were full of children dressed as flowers, plants and trees.”

The Mayor of Richmond borough opened the fair in the morning, while Barnes Community Choir, rock and roll band Buddy Flame & the Rockets and Richmond Music Trust’s modern jazz entertained the crowds throughout the afternoon from the bandstand.

Richmond Park MP and Barnes resident Zac Goldsmith was among the revellers, and he was quick to praise the BCA for doing ‘yet another amazing job’.

Mr Goldsmith said: “It is always a pleasure to attend the Barnes Fair.

“I’m grateful to all the stallholders, and all those who worked so hard putting the event together, in particular the BCA.”