UNPREDICTABLE weather couldn't dampen the enthusiasm for this year's Danson Festival.

Tens of thousands of people of all ages flocked to Danson Park, Welling, last weekend, where there was something for everyone.

For sports fans there were all kinds of taster sessions on Danson lake, from sailing to diving and the excitement of the dragon boat races in aid of Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice.

On dry land there were taster sessions and competitions for rugby, football, kabadi and martial arts and a stunning display of Chinese acrobatics. For the less energetic, a wander through the craft show and the garden zone with talks and workshops by experts calmed the nerves.

So did the demonstrations of traditional country crafts such as willow weaving.

The Global Village brought together ethnic communities from across the borough through drama and craft workshops and drop-in sessions for children, while the Youth Village provided information, advice and the thrills and spills of a skateboarding ramp.

There was live music to suit all tastes on the music stage and at the bandstand, while the dance stage played host to everything from hip hop to traditional folk dancing.

Special needs children and adults with learning difficulties provided the artwork and sculptures for the environmental big top tent.

Add to this show jumping, wild west shows and shire horses in the arena, a science circus adventure, funfair, giant inflatables, an acrobatic aerial fantasy, health and beauty, a display of classic cars and food and drink from around the world and it would be difficult not to have a good time.

July 8, 2002 16:30