RAIN failed to dampen community spirit at the 10th annual Cambrian Street Festival on Saturday.

The event kicked off with a parade from the canal, up Cambrian Road and around the neighbourhood, ending up at the corner of Cambrian View and Gladstone Road where a special stage had been set up.

Proceedings were officially declared open by Ellen Taylor, whose late husband Jim was a keen supporter of the festival.

Catherine Jones, a member of the Cambrian Community Association, said: “We paid tribute to Jim, who was known locally as Jim’ll Find It Taylor. He opened his yard and his house to help the festival and he will be sorely missed.” Jim died in August this year.

Also on stage for the opening ceremony were twins Daniel and Thomas Francis, who as babies opened the very first festival in 2000.

Families enjoyed Cambrian Crufts, the community dog show, a barn dance, children’s art, face painting and an Open Mic session chaired by Jonathan Parry, of Garden Lane.

Youngsters sang a rendition of Our End of Town, a song written by Matt Baker and commissioned for the 2000 festival.

Youngsters had fun at the fair on Granville Road and locals enjoyed a tea dance, organised by Neil Glendinning and Janet Pinder-Emery, a book stall, a cake stall, Indian food and a raffle. Local cafe Ground On The Square provided teas, coffee and sandwiches.

The fun carried on into the evening with music from the stage including local crooner Jane Wolfe, Chester choir A Handbag of Harmonies, female trio The Harmonettes, University of Chester band Les Peches and swing band Safehouse.

Also on stage were the London band Quaintways, named after the old Chester nightclub on Northgate Street, with actor Tom Hughes on guitar and vocals. Tom, whose family live in the Cambrian community, recently appeared in Ricky Gervais’ film Cemetery Junction.

The fun ended at 10pm with a fireworks display.

The Garden Quarter event was funded by money raised by the community throughout the year and support from Cheshire West and Chester council.