Bargains aplenty at Brighton's annual gala

If the country music, helicopter rides and trail-bike displays were not enough, those who visited the Brighton Gala yesterday were sure to find a bargain at one of the 120 stalls.

Bathed in sunshine, the annual gala at the Brighton domain was a huge success, organiser Colin Weatherall said.

He, wife Anne and son Scott organised the gala, with the help of the volunteers at the Brighton Surf Club, each year "not for money" but for "fun", Mr Weatherall said yesterday, between announcements.

"We do it as a community service, so people can have some fun.

The surf club gets a little bit out of it - but not much - but we have about 25 or 30 volunteers from the club helping out here today."

He said the gala, which was held later this year to avoid clashing with the Taieri A and P Show's 150th anniversary celebrations, was popular because it was free and there were many stalls and activities.