You can guarantee the only topic of conversation in the early hours of a Saturday on festival day is the weather.

Showers and rain have become part of the ritual expectation for March Summer Festival and yesterday was no exception; nervousness is part of the occasion.

They needn’t have worried unduly however for cometh the parade cometh the sunshine and cometh the crowds.

The town was packed for a slightly delayed parade (there was a 15 minute wait to allow an ambulance through to an injury in West End Park) but that did little to dampen enthusiasm.

Traditional floats may have been fewer in number this year but a parade of nearly 100 classic cars – a scattering of bikes a van and even a vintage lorry- gave the waiting crowds plenty to cheer.

The parade was headed by the vintage fire engine Vivien from Wisbech and thousands watched the procession as it meandered down High Street and Broad Street before setting out for its usual tour of side roads.

It then headed back into the town before dissembling at West End Park where a huge crowd had gathered for the afternoon and evening entertainment.

One notable absentee on the day was hard working festival member Maureen James; she fell off her bike on Friday evening and was admitted to hospital. Her colleagues wished her a speedy recovery but in true showbiz style the show must go on….and indeed it did until late in the evening.

And then back today for the finale.