Brighton packed to capacity for big day out

Traffic backed up for several kilometres yesterday as people flocked to the biggest annual Brighton Gala Day since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Co-organiser Colin Weatherall estimated at least 12,000 had come to the community event at the Brighton Domain, compared to about 8000 last year.

The biggest challenge of the day had been the traffic, he said.

At one point it was backed up to Waldronville, more than 6km away.

This year, with people "swarming" to attend, the entry gates had to be closed to vehicles for the first time he could recall, leaving cars to find a park on the surrounding roads.

"We’ve had a bit of a traffic issue but that’s the penalty for an event people want to come to."

From craft and food stalls to bumper cars and helicopter rides, there was plenty to do and see.

About 190 stall-holders were at the event, which drew the biggest crowd since pre-pandemic times, he said.

Last year the event was held the day before the country moved into the Red setting in the Government’s traffic light system, which kept attendance down.

Good weather was also a reason why this year’s event was so popular, and it was good to see all the people who had made the effort to come along, he said.

The event was run in conjunction with the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club, and while it was free to attend, a gold coin donation was appreciated to help fund the volunteer service.

Dunedin’s Hayden Symister (12), who attended with his family, said he enjoyed everything except the drive out, which had taken more than an hour.

He had a go on the bouncy castle, and attempted to win $50 by climbing a wobbly ladder.

The day was about "fun, family and friends", he said.

Mosgiel resident Jim, who did not want to give his last name, said he attended the gala day every year, and this year it seemed bigger than usual.

It was "a hell of a job" getting there, but was worth it, he said.

fiona.ellis@odt.co.nz