LAST year visitors invoked a ‘blitz-like’ determination to get them through the torrential rain.

As Bank Holiday Monday approaches organisers of the annual Stubbington Fayre and Donkey Derby are praying for sunshine as the event reaches its 50th year.

Visitor numbers regularly reach 5,000 with the donkey races a major draw since the event began in 1966. Children ride specially trained racing donkeys who are brought in from Guildford in six heats with winners from each heat making a comedy dash in the final for the cup.

Besides the fun of the derby, the main arena will be a riot of colour with a samba band, Locks Heath majorettes, and aerial gymnastics from Paradise Fitness and hopefully a hula hoop performer.

Ice cream vans and Punch and Judy punch and judy provide classic summer entertainment and there is the annual dog show with around 30 pooches expected to wag their tails for the judges, as well as a small fairground, mobile catering vans and the annual classic car and motorbike display.

Crofton Lions’ Reg Norton, 82, who has been involved in organising the event for the last 32 years, remembers when the show involved a carnival and procession of decorated floats. The grandfather of nine has lived in Stubbington since 1968 and said: “I thoroughly enjoy it as a family do. I brought my children when they were five and six and now they’re in their 50s fifties and they still come every time.

“I organise the publicity and the banners and I help clear up after the event. It’s all hands to the pump. And this year we’ve taken the precaution of ordering good weather. Last year there was a real wartime spirit during that terrible downpour but people still left feeling happy.”

Fareham Lions’ Christine Asquith, who has been involved since 1984, said the event has grown year on year.

She said: “Obviously it’s got bigger and bigger, and health and safety is a problem now as we can’t have people standing up on floats.”

This year the grandmother of six has doubled her responsibilities to include not only organising the 100 stalls but also the arena performances. She said: “It’s such a great atmosphere, everybody mixing as a community. I love the community spirit and everyone working together.”

All funds go towards performers for the following year’s event, with any extra cash raised going to charity.

And be warned, there are no contingency plans folks –- just get out your brolly and enjoy the day, whatever the weather.