HEAVY rain and wind kept thousands of people away from Watford's biggest event in its music and arts calendar.

Despite its name, the only colour to dominate the sky above the Rainbow Festival, held at Cassiobury Park, on Sunday, July 9, was grey.

The annual Watford Council-run show, which, last year, drew more than 15,000 people, looked a shadow of its former self, as visitors huddled in tents to avoid the almost continuous downpour, or bravely clutched umbrellas to try and make the best of what promised to be a day to remember.

Drizzle plagued the carnival parade, which travelled through the town centre for the first time.

But it did not stop Watford residents lining the streets to admire the costumes of 1,500 people, from schools, charities, and community associations, who took to the streets and on floats.

One of the most colourful and lively was run by Christians Across Watford, and the Hare Krishnas wowed crowds with a display.

Taking shelter under trees and a pavilion at the entrance to the park, visitors watched the parade embark on its new route at 1pm.

Mrs Jodie Noakes, of Kensington Avenue, there with her family, said: 'It was very good but it didn't look as big as last year. It's a shame about the weather. My favourites were the Hare Krishnas - they looked really beautiful.'

Mr Keith Sellers, of Greenwood Drive, Garston, said: 'I enjoyed the parade. The giants were very good. It did seem a bit smaller than last year though, and I felt sorry for the kids getting wet.'

However, some visitors did go well prepared.

Mrs Wendy Gunn, of Judge Street, north Watford, was relaxing with her family under a makeshift shelter, made from plastic sheets, opposite the main stage.

She said: 'It was good last year because of the good weather.'

'But, even though it's raining today, there is still a good atmosphere.'

Mr Luke Walter, of Elton Park, Watford, there with friends, was also undeterred by the rain.

'The weather could be better,' he said. 'But there is a good atmosphere. I'm looking forward to going into the dance tent later.'

The free event - a cross between a miniature Glastonbury Festival and Notting Hill Carnival - now in its fifth year - was opened by the Mayor of Watford Ian Brown.

Through the afternoon, performers struggled to entertain through heavy rain, and some stall-holders packed up early, but many tried to have fun regardless, with lots of children and teenagers getting soaked on the rides and other activities.

A slight lull in the downfall in the evening saw an influx of people.

Organisers estimate about 7,000 people turned out this year, peaking about 5,000 at one time.

Mr Jonathan Michael, leisure marketing manager at Watford Council, said: 'It was disappointing about the weather. When it rained, it absolutely belted down, but its just one of those things - it's a chance you have to take. Last year, it was glorious.

'A lot of people turned up later to particularly see the headliners Womack and Womack but other bands, such as Joi-Asianfusion, were well supported too.

'In a funny sort of way, the groups in the tents actually benefited from the rain.

'We have had quite a few phone calls from people who have said how much they enjoyed it and said how glad they were there were so many activities under cover.

'The parade was a bit touch and go because of the weather but I think everyone enjoyed it. They had all been working really hard for a long time to showcase their groups, and it gave them a chance to demonstrate what a culturally diverse community Watford is.'

He thanked a host of local businesses who sponsored the event, including Destiny Night Club, The Harlequin shopping centre, Moat House Hotels and Three Valleys Water.

HEAVY rain and wind kept thousands of people away from Watford's biggest event in its music and arts calendar.

Despite its name, the only colour to dominate the sky above the Rainbow Festival, held at Cassiobury Park on Sunday, was grey.

The annual Watford Council-run show, which, last year, drew more than 15,000 people, looked a shadow of its former self, as visitors huddled in tents to avoid the almost continuous downpour, or bravely clutched umbrellas to try and make the best of what promised to be a day to remember.

Drizzle plagued the carnival parade, which travelled through the town centre for the first time.

But it did not stop Watford residents lining the streets to admire the costumes of 1,500 people from schools, charities, and community associations, who took to the streets and on floats.

One of the most colourful and lively was run by Christians Across Watford, and the Hare Krishnas wowed crowds with a display.

Taking shelter under trees and a pavilion at the entrance to the park, visitors watched the parade embark on its new route at 1pm.

Mrs Jodie Noakes, of Kensington Avenue, Watford, there with her family, said: 'It was very good but it didn't look as big as last year. It's a shame about the weather. My favourites were the Hare Krishnas - they looked really beautiful.'

Mr Keith Sellers, of Greenwood Drive, Garston, said: 'I enjoyed the parade. The giants were very good. It did seem a bit smaller than last year though, and I felt sorry for the kids getting wet.'

However, some visitors did go well prepared.

Mrs Wendy Gunn, of Judge Street, north Watford, was relaxing with her family under a makeshift shelter, made from plastic sheets, opposite the main stage.

She said: 'It was good last year because of the good weather.'

'But, even though it's raining today, there is still a good atmosphere.'

Mr Luke Walter, of Elton Park, Watford, there with friends, was also undeterred by the rain.

'The weather could be better,' he said. 'But there is a good atmosphere. I'm looking forward to going into the dance tent later.'

The free event - a cross between a miniature Glastonbury Festival and Notting Hill Carnival - now in its fifth year - was opened by the Mayor of Watford Ian Brown.

Through the afternoon, performers struggled to entertain through heavy rain, and some stall-holders packed up early, but many tried to have fun regardless, with lots of children and teenagers getting soaked on the rides and other activities.

A slight lull in the downfall in the evening saw an influx of people. Organisers estimate about 7,000 people turned out this year, peaking at about 5,000 at one time.

Mr Jonathan Michael, leisure marketing manager at Watford Council, said: 'It was disappointing about the weather. When it rained, it absolutely belted down, but it's just one of those things - it's a chance you have to take. Last year, it was glorious.

'A lot of people turned up later to particularly see the headliners Womack and Womack, but other bands, such as Joi-Asianfusion, were well supported too.

'In a funny sort of way, the groups in the tents actually benefited from the rain.

'We have had quite a few phone calls from people who have said how much they enjoyed it and said how glad they were there were so many activities under cover.

'The parade was a bit touch and go because of the weather but I think everyone enjoyed it. They had all been working really hard for a long time to showcase their groups, and it gave them a chance to demonstrate what a culturally diverse community Watford is.'

He thanked a host of local businesses who sponsored the event, including Destiny Night Club, The Harlequin shopping centre, Moat House Hotels and Three Valleys Water.

ccooley@london.newsquest.co.uk