THE HOMETOWN Festivals team run their events like a well-oiled machine with their Petersfield festivals always boasting an impressive array of stalls, live music, activities and food options.

But the one thing they can’t arrange is the weather, with the first full day of the Petersfield Summer Festival turning into a washout.

“I’ve got my Pimm’s here for when summer returns,” said singer Becky Jerams, to a small crowd taking shelter from the rain in The Square on Sunday.

“Seriously, you’re all heroes for coming out today”.

Thankfully, the rain stayed away and the crowds returned in big numbers on Bank Holiday Monday as the festival-goers did their bit to make up for lost time.

Stallholders, selling everything from books and chocolates to wine and doggie treats, had a busy day as the crowds were heaving along High Street.

The beer flowed, numerous cones of Dylan’s Ice Cream were sold and the queue for paella was 25 people deep at one point.

Fans of classic American cars and hot rods were well catered for too, as the Solent Renegades lined up more than a dozen vehicles along the corner of The Square and Chapel Street.

And if that wasn’t impressive enough, visitors also felt the force of cinematic history as numerous Star Wars characters made a guest appearance for the afternoon.

The characters, which included Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker and numerous Stormtroopers, ended their appearance with an Imperial March along the High Street before David Weeks led the Renegade cavalcade along the same route.

The 1980s theme continued in Rams Walk as the Ghostbusters paid a visit, complete with Ecto-1 and a Stay Puff marshmallow man towering over shoppers.

If that wasn’t odd enough then the sight of a Christmas stall had many people scratching their eyes.

“It was a bit Marmite, as people either loved it or they hated it, but, on the whole, it was very well received,” said stall-holder Lesley Gerhardt, of Pink Haired Princess.

“I will do this festival again next year. The people were very friendly and I enjoy coming to Petersfield, as I often go there to shop as I like the town.”

The festival finished on a high note as Rat Pack tribute duo, The Frank and Dean Show, treated the crowd in The Square to a joyous hour of song and laughs.

The next Hometown Festivals event will be the Petersfield Oktoberfest which will take place on September 29 in the Festival Hall.

Expect the full Bavarian experience with steins, sausages, table service and oompah music. Entry for each session will be £15 per person. Visit www.petersfield fest.com for more details.