Nothing could dampen the spirits at Jericho Street Fair on Saturday – not even when the heavens opened and soaked stallholders in the shadow of St Barnabas church.

Hundreds returned to Canal Street for the annual celebration, enjoying music, food, face painting and booze.

Children and adults alike got the chance to try on a police helmet and taste life in the back of a custody van.

READ MORE: Street fair is now in its 30th year

Around the corner, bands kept drinkers entertained outside the Old Bookbinders pub – while a band of Morris Men danced for crowds browsing more than two dozen stalls strung out along Canal Street and Cardigan Street.

Chairman of the Jericho Community Association Charlotte Christie said: “It’s fabulous, we’re really pleased. The sun does make a difference; although we carry on even if it’s raining.”

She added: “It’s quite a local event. There are a lot of people who live around here who are strolling up and down, having a chat with neighbours, maybe with people they don’t see so often. A lot of the stalls are run by local people or craftspeople.”

On Sunday, scores of runners were expected to lace up their trainers and pad around the streets of Jericho for the annual 10km, 5km and mile-long fun run races.