Maypole dancing by the Forest School of Dance and Theatre Arts, at the Downton Cuckoo Fair. DA7850P30UNPROMISING grey cloud gave way to bursts of blue sky as record numbers flocked to Downton for the 26th annual Cuckoo Fair.

Cuckoo Fair chairman Tony Pike estimated that around 20,000 people had passed up and down The Borough by the end of the day and stall holders reported brisk trade.

The day started officially with a parade through the village.

The Downton Band led the way followed by the Cuckoo Fair banner and a horse drawn carriage bearing this year's Cuckoo Fair Princess Mary Ball and her two attendants Te-arnna Gardiner and Laura Smith, as well as Mary's predecessor Eli Greenway.

At the Maypole, following the crowning of the princess, music for the first dance of the day by the Forest School of Dance and Theatre Arts was almost drowned out by LibDem candidate Richard Denton-White canvassing for votes by loudhailer as he drove past.

But the dancers, too young to worry about this week's election, ignored the interruption and criss-crossed lilac and rose ribbons to appreciative applause.

All three of the main marquees of craft stalls were packed by mid-morning and crowds gathered to watch Sarum Morris Men, Johnathan the Jester and a group of Appalachian folk dancers.

There was more entertainment from the youngsters of the Downton Academy of Dramatic Art (DADA) presenting their tribute to the legendary Ovaltineys, and from Salisbury Amateur Operatic Society drumming up business for its next show Songs from the Silver Screen.

A young trio from Salisbury called Nion won admirers and in the Memorial Gardens, Hoodwink Theatre enthralled youngsters with a show that featured, appropriately, a large cuckoo clock.

"All the entertainment was excellent and the weather was ideal," said Mr Pike.

"I'd like to thank all the team on the Cuckoo Fair for the hard work they put in."

The fair had began on Friday night with every ticket sold for a Barn Dance in the Memorial Hall. On Sunday, an interdenominational Cuckoo Fair service was held, with bingo for the village's senior citizens in the afternoon and a concert by Downton Band in the evening.

Bank holiday Monday entertainment included a family treasure hunt and a concert by Mike Ireland playing music from the Shadows.