HEAVY rain took the wind from Aberdour Festival's sails at the weekend but it has failed to dampen the village's spirits.

Saturday's Beach Day took a battering as the heavens opened and strong winds meant it was too dangerous for the popular raft race to go ahead.

However, organisers are hoping the race can be re-scheduled for later in the festival's calendar.

Helen Pearson, chairperson, said: "The winds really picked up and it wasn't safe.

"It's the first time we've had to cancel it in 35 years of running the festival.

"It was a shame, but we're hopeful we might be able to run it later on.

"The Prosecco tent was also cancelled and that brought great misery to the village!"

The 35th year of the festival, which boasts a packed programme of music, comedy, entertainment and culture, started last Friday.

Dunfermline five-piece Between The Lines emerged triumphant from the Battle of the Bands evening to a crowd of more than 300 people.

The following morning saw this year's Royal Party crowned: Zoe McNulty (Queen), Myles Adams (King), Maddy Phillips and Peter Bryden (Attendants).

They were then paraded through the village in style before the sandcastle competition got underway.

Rain then started to pour and the raft race was scrapped along with the beach volleyball, but Jimmy Rainbow's Allstars band boosted morale with local singers performing hits from the likes of Queen, ABBA and the Drifters.

Comedian Simon Evans and support Christopher Macarthur-Boyd had the crowd in stitches on Sunday evening as the former brought his new tour to the village.

Helen commented: "Simon Evans was fantastic and there were a lot of laughter in the marquee that night.

"We've still got Big Country to come on Friday which we're all prepared for and looking forward to.

"There's still a few tickets left but they're going fast."

Award-winning Christopher Brookmyre made the trip to visit Aberdour's marquee on Tuesday night as he celebrated the publication of his new novel, Places in the Darkness.

The sold-out murder mystery evening takes place tonight (Thursday) with the hugely popular family ceilidh set to round off the festival's entertainment on Saturday night.