It may have rained on their parades, but the weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds at two traditional North-East events. Andy Walker and Ian Noble report. Pictures: Doug Jackson.

THOUSANDS of people – young, old and everyone in between – descended on two market towns as they held their annual meets over the bank holiday weekend.

Although the weather had an impact on visitor numbers at the Barnard Castle and Richmond events, there was still a good time to be had by those families who braved the grey skies and drizzle.

A high-speed zip line attracted daredevils to the County Durham event, with more sedate activities on offer for those of a less extreme persuasion.

Mark Knight, chairman of the Barnard Castle Meet committee, said: “I think visitor numbers are down on last year due to the weather.

“There are still quite a few people here though and they’ve been able to enjoy all sorts of attractions.

“I think it’s been a success and a lot of people have been along and done things which they might otherwise not have done.

“The zip line has gone ahead and it has proved a big draw and I even had a go myself.”

Adrenaline junkies – including a 73- year-old woman – enjoyed a spectacular view of the town from the zip line, which whisked visitors from Scar Top, passing the castle, before crossing the River Tees to land on the other bank, in Startforth.

Barnard Castle-based company Extreme Sensation was due to host bungee jumping, but it was cancelled after too few people signed up.

There was live music, a comedy night and a range of other attractions.

In Richmond, yesterday’s carnival procession and fancy dress competition was the highlight of the four-day event.

Entertainment, including dancing and a tombola, was held in the town’s Friary Gardens.

Earlier activities had included a dinner, hosted by this year’s meet committee president, Andrew Cunningham.

There was also a six-a-side football contest, cycling competitions and the annual Richmond Meet quiz at the town’s cricket club.

Former Richmond mayor Barry Heap, who attended the parade, described the meet, which has been held for more than 100 years, as a key event in the town’s diary.

He said: “The weather could have been kinder, but it is always a pleasure to see people having made the effort to turn out when the sun isn’t shining.

“I thought the turn-out, in view of the weather, was quite good.”