THOUSANDS of people flocked to Ely s riverbank for the annual Aquafest event on Sunday. The festival is widely regarded as the biggest community event in East Cambridgeshire and took place at Lavender s Place and Jubilee Gardens by the river. Crowds enjoy

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Ely's riverbank for the annual Aquafest event on Sunday.

The festival is widely regarded as the biggest community event in East Cambridgeshire and took place at Lavender's Place and Jubilee Gardens by the river.

Crowds enjoyed a raft race, live music, theatre, dance and a trampoline and clown act from the Wacky Tumblairs.

There were also charity and food stalls with alternative amusements, a beer tent, the Extreme Bungee and a fun fair.

The event was free of charge for the public and costs were covered through the sale of raffle tickets.

The raft race at 3pm, traditionally the highlight of the day, saw a record 24 rafts competing on the River Great Ouse.

Cambs Compressers romped home to victory the third year in a row and Star Radio caused controversy when they finished second but were disqualified for using a motor-powered raft.

Many teams failed to complete the course and the Ely Standard team was happy to finish, despite team member Bobby Fenn suffering from severe cramp.

Waste management company Donarbon claiming second and third place.

Events were broadcast live on Star Radio.

The Ely Standard team consisted of sales team leader Sarah James, sales representative Lesley Harrison, telesales representative Bobby Fenn and paperboy Shannon Fenn.

They would all like to thank Jack Waterfall for providing the raft supported by milk bottles, Ely Sailing Club for providing life jackets and the Almonry Restaurant for providing the milk bottles.