Brighton's community spirit was on full display as the seaside town’s annual gala day notched up 30 years with a bumper crowd.
Despite grey skies yesterday morning, by mid-afternoon the sun was shining over the thousands of people packed into the Brighton Domain.
Co-organiser Colin Weatherall said themes of community involvement and free entry had remained central to the Brighton Gala Day since he and his wife Ann founded it 30 years ago.
"The first year we had a market. We had 12 stalls and it rained, I think, most of the bloody day," Mr Weatherall said.
"So it wasn’t the most successful thing."
That first bid was a far cry from yesterday’s gala.
Mr Weatherall estimated about 12,000 people went through the gates, browsing dozens of food vendors, 150 stalls, emergency services displays, carnival rides and live entertainment.
It was the biggest afternoon in some time, he said.
"I love this part of the day when it’s running ... I just walk around and see all the smiling faces and the happy faces and a few grumpy ones, but that’s OK."
Helicopters Otago had four aircraft offering rides up the coast and were "coming and going like — no disrespect — like flies".
For the first time, free skin checks were available from the Lions’ cancer caravan and free blood pressure and blood sugar checks were on offer from a registered nurse.
The services were popular and Mr Weatherall hoped they would go some way to breaking down barriers to medical care and encouraging people to seek further help if needed.
"If we help one person, that’s a success in my book," he said.
"Progressively over the years, we’ve built it to maximum because we are jam-packed tight with stalls, activities, amusements in the community.
"It’s just one day that we can put a little bit back into the community and say, ‘This is Brighton, this is an experience, a fun day out. Come enjoy it with us’."
The Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and the Green Island Lions had been key to the gala for 30 years and members were volunteering and fundraising at the event yesterday.
However, raising money was secondary to boosting community spirit, he said.
"It’s the awareness that this is Brighton and it’s got a heart. And one of the hearts beating today just happens to be the gala day."
Mr Weatherall said the event lost out on significant funding from the Lottery Grants Board last year but he was extremely pleased MTF Finance Dunedin South had stepped in to fill the gap.
