MANEA residents turned out in their droves for their annual village gala in what has been dubbed the “main event of the year”.

The 2012 Manea Gala nearly became only the second in its 57-year history to be rained off as organisers struggled with the weather conditions.

However event chairman Kevin Keil decided that the show must go on an insisted the event went ahead as planned.

The Gala raised �3,000, which will now be put back into the community.

Mr Keil said: “This is the main event of the year for the community in Manea and it is something they all enjoy going to.

“At one point we thought we might have to cancel it and it was a bit touch and go but in the end there was a great turnout despite the weather.”

Attractions at the event on Saturday (July 14) included a dragster team, the Soham Majorettes and the Manea Silver Band.

There were also about 30 stalls, with entertainment continuing until 11pm.

In a message on the Manea Gala website, the event’s organising committee said: “A huge thank you to everyone who helped and donated prizes and turned out on the day.

“We all enjoyed the day and we hope to see you all there in 2013.”