WIND and rain showers hit the 3rd Kennet & Avon Canal Summer Floating Market in Bradford on Avon last weekend.

But they failed to dampen the spirits of the canal traders and musicians taking part or those scores of people who took the opportunity to browse the handicrafts, food and drink, on display.

The event on Saturday and Sunday was organised by the canal boat community near the Lock Inn Cafe and the Saxon Tithe Barn.

It was the fifth floating market held in the town - the other two have been winter markets.

Organiser Sarah Golding said: "Every year, it just gets bigger and better. We are growing and expanding each time."

This year, the summer market featured 30 canal boat traders, food and drink, craft demonstrations and live music.

The event is organised and run voluntarily by the canal barge community to promote their way of life.

They included local canal artist Dru Marland, showing a variety of prints and greeting cards.

Other traders were selling goods made from jewellery, gemstones, bead necklaces and bracelets, and hand-crafted wood items, brasswork and sculpted metal.

Clare Brown was spinning wool and there was face-painting, photographs, prints, ceramics and other handicrafts, including screen-printed t-shirts, on display and for sale.

The Dawdling Dairy ice-cream boat provided drinks and ice creams, The Sweet Barge treats for adults and children, and the Wolf Kitchen supplied vegan wraps and cakes.

Visitors were able to get involved through workshops and demonstrations, including juggling, knot work and blacksmithing.

On both days, there was full programme of entertainment featuring canal community musicians playing folk, jazz and traditional shanties, stand-up comics and poetry.

The next floating markets are at Newbury from August 25-27 and Devizes Carnival on September 1 and 2.