Despite rain being forecast and ominous early clouds, the sun shone for the annual St George’s Fayre in March – and organisers were rewarded with an estimated 8-10,000 crowd.

Cambs Times: St George's Fayre, March. Dance Mania performing to a large crowd. Picture: Steve Williams.St George's Fayre, March. Dance Mania performing to a large crowd. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

There was added poignancy for one of the principal organisers Mike Chapman, events manager for Fenland District Council. He’s been made redundant by the council and will leave this week – but if St George’s Fayre was his swansong then it will be one to be remembered.

Cambs Times: St George's Fayre, March. Womens section of the Royal British Legion. Picture: Steve Williams.St George's Fayre, March. Womens section of the Royal British Legion. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

Mr Chapman was up at 4am and into town soon afterwards to help oversee a spectacular array of events that encompassed Broad Street, the market place, High Street and many other parts of town too.

Cambs Times: St George's Fayre, March. Mayor of March Andrew Pugh talking to the scout leaders, Picture: Steve Williams.St George's Fayre, March. Mayor of March Andrew Pugh talking to the scout leaders, Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

From the river – with its boat trips- to the town hall art exhibition and to ‘teletubby hill’ (outside the library) the town was ablaze with colour, stalls, music, entertainment and, best of all, thousands of people enjoying the sunshine and the day.

Cambs Times: St George's Fayre, March. Picture: Steve Williams.St George's Fayre, March. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

Councillor Jan French, one of the committee members, said: “It was another great day. We did have some slight hiccups.

Cambs Times: St George's Fayre, March. Margeret Leak has a go on a unicycle.Picture: Steve Williams.St George's Fayre, March. Margeret Leak has a go on a unicycle.Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

“The committee have a post meeting soon and will take on board any suggestion for improvements next year. I say a big thank you to all the volunteers and helpers.”

Cambs Times: St George's Fayre, March. Oliver Nichol age4 with his guitar. Picture: Steve Williams.St George's Fayre, March. Oliver Nichol age4 with his guitar. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

The mayor Councillor Andrew Pugh described it as a “great day and also a great advert to the other towns to show that our market town of March is able to lay on a class event for the people. “Well done everyone let’s get planning for next year, bigger and better.”

Another main helper, John Abbott, was delighted with the response and felt the arts and crafts exhibitors had played an exciting part in the day’s event.

“Having been involved since the very first event, for me it is really gratifying to see so many people just enjoying themselves,” he said.

“As in past years, after starting before 6 a.m. and just finished at 6 p.m. it’s been a tiring, but very worthwhile day once again and I’d just like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who supported the event, especially to our artists and crafters who filled the market square, the town hall and St Peter’s Church Hall and to everyone who helped us in any way.

“Seeing the Spitfire make three passes over the town centre and the unmistakeable roar of the Merlin engine with a ‘wing waggle’ as he headed off toward Peterborough was a truly memorable sight and one of a host of memories that young and old alike will take away and which help to make all the hard work worth every minute for all of us.”

Mr Chapman was delighted too with 140 trade spaces sold and the town almost bursting at its seams

“I have been so lucky working with a great bunch of community volunteers and have enjoyed each and every year - and have always tried to achieve improvement and range of activities.

“If this was my ‘Swan Song’ it was brilliant- again - thanks to all concerned.”