On Thursday the sun shone on the Laa Columb Killey Festival in Ballabeg.

The festival, which celebrates St Columba’s Day, is one of the oldest fairs to be held in the island. The event traditionally begins with a procession from Ballabeg Parish Hall through the village to the fairground. There, the official opening was performed by the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, and this year’s Laa Columb Killey Princess, Poppy Irving, was crowned by the new vicar for Arbory, Rev Irene Cowell.

Then the fun and games began: a country dancing display by Arbory School; music by Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band; a display of classic vehicles, and junior and senior sports and races. As usual, there were queues at the tea tent for the famed afternoon teas that are served every year.

The other tents housed the entries for a myriad of competitions to judge the best vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and confectionery. Vases of wild flowers, old fashioned roses, sweet peas and bonsai vied for the coveted cups, as did potatoes, strawberries, rhubarb, brownies, drop scones, lemon drizzle cake and gingerbread men.

In the handicraft tent cups were awarded for handwriting, photography, cross stitch, soft toys, painting, handmade lace and woodwork.

On Friday evening the festival was brought to a close with the Arbory School and Laa Columb Killey Ceili.