THE weather was some of the finest the show had ever seen - not too hot to tempt people away to the beaches, but not at all cold.

As usual, the £750 fireworks display at the Christchurch Carnival and Regatta on August 18, 1979, attracted large crowds - estimated somewhere between 15,000 and 30,000.

An afternoon highlight was an impressive display of aerobatics by the Katabatics, from Chichester.

Earlier there was action afloat with a display by Len Thompson and his team from Poole Radio Controlled Model Yacht Club, and later it was the turn of Mudeford trawlermen to bring their boats upriver for a rousing water battle.

Christchurch sailing club members entered into the fun with a rubber dinghy race and decorated cruisers and both on the water and the green crowds of youngsters made the most of such traditional sports as the greasy pole, pillow fighting and three-legged races.

Perfect weather - a perfect day.