ISLEHAM was a hive of activity this weekend, with the gala day held on Saturday, and the village community association hosting a gala weekend of events.

A colourful and musical parade through the village streets got the gala off to a great start, with four colourful floats and two walking groups being accompanied by the Glen Morrison Pipe Band and Soham Majorettes.

“We had a really lovely day,” said Fred Preece, chairman of the Gala Committee. “It was an opportunity for lots of village organisations to have a stall and raise some funds.”

On the recreation field, there were children’s races, cycle races and novelty races; along with an impromptu aerobics display. Arena attractions included displays by the Ruth Bendall Dancers, the Soham Majorettes and the Glen Morrison Pipe Band.

In the marquees, there were displays of crafts, fruit and vegetables, and home baking. The tug o’ war competition was won by The Bears for the fourth year in a row; and visitors were able to take a look at some amazing reptiles.

Isleham Community Association ran a weekend of entertainment in a marquee on the recreation field. On Thursday, 17 acts performed at the first ever Isleham’s Got Talent evening, watched by an audience of more than 200.

A gala ball on Friday raised more than �3,600. Around 160 diners enjoyed a fun evening that included an auction, a game of heads and tails, and a casino.

After the gala day, the community association held a family party, which was a sell-out; entertainment was provided by circus skills entertainers and two local bands.

Isleham Community Association is raising funds for a new village centre. Their chairman, Mark Goldsack, said: “Events like these are all in support of our community centre. It is fair to say that if we had the centre and didn’t have to hire the marquee and all that entails, there would have been close to �10,000 more raised.

“The support shown by three wonderfully supported events shows the desire and support for the ICA; thanks to all the committee members, supporters and volunteers who helped make the festival such a resounding success.”