In time honoured tradition, an annual festival held in West Cornwall was blessed with sunshine yesterday. Since it began 16 years ago, the Newlyn Fish Festival has never seen a spot of rain to dampen the day.

Around 20,000 people packed the small village for the event, which highlights the fishing industry and boosts the profile of the fisherman's mission.

One of the highlights of the day was the lifeboat gig race, in which a number of gigs raced in Mount's Bay for the Trafalgar Trophy. The three-mile-long course started and finished at Newlyn, lasted about 30 minutes and ended through the harbour entrance.

Organising committee member Captain Eric Kemp said: "We have had more gigs than usual enter this year. We are hoping to display the trophy somewhere safe for members of the public to have a look at."

Lady Mary Holborow, the Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, opened the festival on the main stage. After her speech a variety of bands played, including Camborne Youth Band, Mevagissey Male Choir and Black Rock Jazz.

A large number of stalls were set up to entertain and inform the public. Mission Superintendent David Whitehead said: "The day went really well. We were pleased with the number of people through the gates although it is always difficult to say exactly how many attend as we let children in for free."

The Newlyn Fish Festival supports 26 different charities, which will display their own merchandise and items for sale along the pier.

Mr Whitehead said: "The event is our biggest fundraising of the year and enables the Fishermen's Mission to continue offering the support and help to the families and loved ones of fishermen who have lost their lives at sea."

Seafood Cornwall put on an exhibition for the third year running. There were also displays from local chefs giving tips on how to cook a great Cornish fish recipe.

Article copyright THIS IS CORNWALL 

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