But the rain didn't dampen the spirits of those taking part in Saturday's parade and those attending the annual event that has now become a definitive diary date for the whole community.

Entitled: Gainsborough Goes Oriental, thousands flocked to the event, now in its seventh year, which saw an Oriental theme coincide with this summer's Beijing Olympics.

Click here to see the Standard's video of the Riverside Festival.

The two-day event saw activities surround the Riverside Walk, town centre, Gainsborough Old Hall, All Saints' Parish Church, Marshall's Yard, the X-Church on Ashcroft Road, The State Club and Gainsborough Methodist Church.

On Sunday the fun and games continued around the Old Hall, Marshall's Yard along with the launch of a Street Athletics road race in the Market Place.

"I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making this year's festival come to fruition," said David Dobbie, chairman of the Gainsborough Riverside Festival Committee.

"I would especially like to thank Gainsborough Town Council, West Lindsey Council and Peter Swann from The Sands Venue and State Club for all the support they have given the event."

The festival started with the traditional procession from Corporation Yard to the Old Hall. It was led by the Riverside Queen Emma Marsh and her nine year old aide Hannah Preston along with Gainsborough Town Mayor Coun Pearl Banyard and chairman of West Lindsey Council Coun Peter Heath.

And the official opening of the event was then opened at the Old Hall by civic dignitaries, Peter Swann and David Dobbie.

The fun and games included a fun fair, European market, duck race, stalls, classic cars, keep fit for the over 60s, Oriental dancers a mini Olympic competition plus much more.

The morning of the festival also saw the unveiling of two mosaics at Corporation Yard in memory of festival organiser Neil Rogers.

A crowd of people, including friends and family of the popular character, gathered to see the colourful artworks revealed.

"I haven't been to Gainsborough for some time and on returning here today it is good to know that the Riverside Festival is still going on," said Tim Harris one of Neil's friends.

"This unveiling is the first phase of what we hope is a series of art projects done to brighten up the Riverside Walk which will come when we can raise the funds."

"I would like to thank members of the Heritage and Tourism Group (HAT) and all those involved in making these two pieces."

"Neil would have approved of the quote "working for your smile" which is on the plaque and is a fitting tribute to him," added Tim.

Another aspect of the event saw chairman of Gainsborough Lions, Stefan Szafran, present two cheques of £500 to West Lindsey Women's Refuge and the George Henderson lodge of St Barnabas Hospice.

The money was collected from various fundraising events through Stefan's year as president of the charity.

And the Gainsborough Standard's very own Riverside Queen, Emma Marsh, also enjoyed the day with the highlight being taking part in the parade.

"I have had a really good day and met lots of people," said Emma, eight, of Blyton.