Wells Moat Boat Race made a triumphant return on Bank Holiday Monday, with thousands turning out for homemade rafts, live music and a revived fête after the future of the event had been thrown into doubt.

The sun came out, the rain stayed away and the Bishop's Palace moat was once again filled with crews attempting to keep an assortment of homemade vessels pointing roughly in the right direction on Monday, 31 August.

Just months earlier, there had been serious questions over whether the long-running Wells tradition could continue. City of Wells Lions Club had organised the race for years but was down to just three active members, prompting an appeal for more people to step forward.

Eighteen local volunteers joined the effort, allowing the Moat Boat Race to go ahead and helping organisers expand the day with a fête on Wells Recreation Ground and a programme of musical entertainment on the Bandstand.

Mary Ellis, who chaired the Moat Boat Race organising committee, said: "What a wonderful day! Thank you so much to EVERYONE – rafters, stewards, stall holders, all who visited, sponsors and to all who assisted in any way.

"A great group of people joined together to organise the event this year and I think they will again!"

The home-made rafts remained at the heart of the day, with crews bringing plenty of imagination to both their vessels and fancy dress.

Wells Tuesday WI were among those raising smiles, while the Likely Lads skittles team took inspiration from the 376 bus. Nurture Vet Hospital's team arrived as fleas following their dog — because apparently simply getting a raft across the moat was not enough of a challenge.

Away from the water, Wells Community Network's Human Fruit Machine proved popular on the Recreation Ground, alongside its Splat the Rat game.

Wells Army Cadets were also among the groups taking part in the fête, while Cobra Carnival Club raised money from its circus tent.

A wide range of musicians performed on the Bandstand throughout the day, giving those who preferred dry land plenty to keep them occupied between races.

GWS community radio presenters Alan Trinder and Jem Smith provided live commentary and also met the new Bishop of Taunton during the event, while race officials kept proceedings moving from the Wells Lions gazebo.

The success of the day marked a fairly dramatic turnaround for an event which, earlier this year, faced an uncertain future because of the shortage of people available to organise it.

Instead, the appeal brought together volunteers and community groups from across Wells, allowing the traditional racing to return while adding more attractions around the Recreation Ground.

And judging by the crowds filling the moat-side and Rec, Wells was rather pleased to have it back.

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