GALLERY: An eggs-cellent time at annual event

More than 2,000 hardy folk braved the inclement weather to attend the always popular event, which last year brought crowds of 20,000.

Undaunted by the chill those attending had smiles on their faces and youngest visitors were determined to ensure the “pace egging” tradition of rolling hard boiled, sometimes decorated, eggs down the natural bowl slope in Avenham Park would continue, as it has since the 1860s.

It may have been a bit of a mud roll, but no one was complaining. The Finn family from Lostock Hall were amongst the visitors and mum Carmen noted: “It was more of an egg plop than an egg roll. We come every year - come hell or high water. It’s not the first time we’ve got wet through. It’s a great tradition - what’s a bit of weather to stop you?”

Dad David added: “It’s a really good family day out. We love it.”

Rachel Benn from Garstang and her family were also keen attenders. Rachel said: “We come every year. I came as a child myself. We bring both chocolate and boiled eggs.”

Coun Kelly said: “This is a tradition. We’ve not cancelled and nor will we cancel. This is the best of Preston. It’s pouring with rain and everyone is coming out. Even though the weather has gone against us it is not stopping people having fun.”

Attractions included Easter bonnet making and henna workshops, fairground rides, a walkabout with Plucky the 10 foot chicken, plus numerous food and charity stalls with music throughout the day.