Crowds basked in sunshine one day and fled for cover in a monsoon the next as Osterley Park Country Show felt the full force of the British weather at summertime.

The event was organised by Oakleigh Fairs for only the second time at the park, in Jersey Road, Osterley.

It began on Sunday (24) with 3,000 people coming through the gates to enjoy activities ranging from animal displays, to mediaeval re-enactments and arts and crafts.

Sadly the success was not repeated on Bank Holiday Monday as torrential rain hit the site from first thing; eventually forcing it to be abandoned altogether at 1pm - four hours before it was meant to have closed.

Oakleigh’s managing director Charlie Owen was baffled by the contrast in days and said: “It was bizarre. We had a lovely day on Sunday and then on Monday we were totally wiped out.

“Hardly anyone turned up that day, and eventually at 1pm we had to make the decision to get those who had off site before it became dangerous with the flooding.”
Naturally choosing to focus on the positives, Mr Owen pointed to the particular success of the animal exhibits.

He said: “People bought their children and grandchildren mainly to get the chance to see live animals up close, which is something you don’t get to do often in London.

“We had a goat show, sheep show, displays of birds of prey, horses, ponies, there was even a wallaby.

“People loved just standing by the enclosures and watching them. It was so nice.”

The rain also sadly put paid to The Companion Dog Show which would have donated all its proceeds to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Despite the disappointments, Mr Owen vowed the fair would be back. He said: “We’ve already booked for next year, but we won’t be booking Monday’s weather again!”

Oakleigh Fairs holds dozens of events around the country every year and will soon be focusing on its Christmas offerings.

Visit http://www.oakleighfairs.co.uk for details.