NOT even Hurricane Bertha could stop residents – and a TV soap star – from turning out in force for a "very special" Banstead Community Festival.
Organisers Banstead and District Royal British Legion have estimated almost 1,000 people braved the wind and rain to enjoy the first ever festival, held on Sunday at the Lady Neville sports ground.
Despite the wet weather, a barbecue and hog roast went ahead, as well as a falconry display and entertainment from Surrey Army Cadet Force Band and Corps of Drums, The Majorettes and Banstead's own Elenya Daley.
Special guest June Brown, Dot Branning in EastEnders, was there to show support for the Armed Forces.
Organiser Peter Mitchell said: "[She] was a true hero of the day, despite the rain and wind, she entertained the crowds with her amazing personality, she signed autographs for as many people as she could.
"We presented her with a bouquet of flowers and she said how about we auction these off and the money goes to the British Legion – they raised £100.
"She even had her own collecting pot for the British Legion, a remarkable woman."
He added: "Despite the wet weather and in true British Legion style we persevered in the face of adversity. Old and young huddled together shoulder to shoulder in the rain."
The event was sponsored by The Royal Alfred Seafarers Society and Truelove of Banstead.
