SOUTH West Lakes Trust was joined by over 800 people at the beautiful Roadford Lake on Sunday May 27 for a whole day of festivities at their annual open day.

The rain, thunder and lightning on the Saturday night didn’t put people off venturing out and experiencing a variety of activities both on and off the water. After a drizzly start to the day the sun decided to make an appearance, just in time for the opening of the event, and graced visitors with its presence for the entire day.

There was something for everyone at this year’s open day with the trust’s environmental, educational and recreational themes firmly on show. South West Water’s tours of the dam proved extremely popular and those who completed the 170 step climb to the top of the valve tower received a certificate.

There was lots on offer including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, water zorbing, windsurfing, high ropes, archery, marshmallow toasting, bug hunting and more.

Exhibitors were kept busy with a steady stream of visitors and there was a chance to get up close to three beautiful owls from Screech Owl Sanctuary and some of Hendra Farm’s resident critters. The mesmerising falconry display by Westcountry Falconry also proved extremely popular.

Sailing trips throughout the day took people of all abilities around the lake for some rare views from the water and families were also given the chance to try out a range of instruments from around the world with an all-day session provided by ‘Music Mash’.

For the little ones there was face painting provided by Delia from ‘Funny Faces’, a bouncy castle, giant garden games and family fun with ‘Entertainingly Different’.

Pictures by James Bird.