Southampton park event scaled back due to bad weather

A spring fair held at a Southampton park was scaled back due to the weather.

The May Day event organised by the Friends of St James’ Park went ahead despite the rain forecast for the Bank Holiday.

Dozens of families still turned to the climbing wall and tea tent at St James' Park in Shirley.

The full event, which was postponed until this coming Sunday, was meant to include activities including biking, a trail and a litter pick.

Despite this there were still families who fought the rain to enjoy some time outside.

Sue Kinch, events and social media coordinator for the Friends of St James’ Park, said at the time: “We’re delighted that people are coming out and braving the rain.

“Today was going to be our May Day Spring Fair, so we should have had a field fall of stalls today and lots of going on.

"But due to the horrendous weather that was forecast over the last few days we made the decision to postpone the majority of the event - the stalls and the big equipment - and move that to the 12th of May.

“This today was a way for us to make the best out of a bad situation, so we have our own gazebos here and we’re trying to make the most of today.

“Utilita have sponsored our event, so they have helped us fund the climbing wall, and we have Asda here as well as one of our supporters.”

One dad, who asked not to be named, brought his six-year-old son.

He said: “It was one of those days that we didn’t want to leave the house - but because we live around the corner we decided to go ahead with it and come down.

"My son’s really had a good time - even if it is with a bit of rain in the mix.”

The details of the full event coming up on May 12 will be available on the Friends of St James’ Park Facebook page.