Unsettled weather couldn’t put a dampener on the opening event of the Garden Quarter’s festival commemorating the First World War, when neighbourhood school, Chester Blue Coat CE Primary, staged its centenary fair.

Hundreds defied the drizzle to enjoy the event at the Walpole Street site, which included performances from the Salvation Army Band, demonstrations of karate and Brazilian martial art capoeira, a choral performance and a visit by a fire engine from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The traditional stalls and raffles all proved popular, while the ‘Soak the Teacher’ game drew a huge crowd, especially when headteacher Vince O’Brien bravely took his place in the stocks.

Organised by the Friends of Chester Blue Coat, led by co-chairs Hannah Mabbutt and Rachel Nightingale, the event raised £2,000 towards extra equipment for the school.

Mrs Mabbutt said: “We’re delighted with the total, which is more than we raised last year. The weather was disappointing but the day was still a great success. Thanks go to everyone who helped organise the event and ran stalls, donated items or came along to join in the fun.”