Booty's feel the wrath of The Grapes

Last year's champions were easy winners in the first round, before Booty's adopted some sneaky tactics in a bid for victory.

Fete co-organiser Klayton Palmer said: "We murdered them in the first round, and in the second one they tied the rope to the railings and sneaked four extra people into their team. We still retained the trophy even then."

Less taxing events such as hoopla, coconut throwing and the Test Your Strength machine were on offer for visitors to Ropemakers Field.

Gold sponsors Knight Frank were on hand with Krispee Kreme donuts, while Virgin Active ran sack races, egg and spoon contests and wheelbarrow challenges for youngsters and adults. Other backers included
Limehouse Day Nursery, Friends of Ropemakers, Booty's Riverside Bar, CM Murray Solicitors, Killik and Co, Waitrose, Riverside Stores, Lourdes Estate Agents, Hurford Salvi Carr, Franklin James, Soleil Dry Cleaners, Urban Bar and The Wharf newspaper.

Organising committee Klayton Palmer, Jo Faulkner, Tim Eyles and Gary Holden were backed by a host of volunteers at the fete, which was devised during a night out at The Grapes pub three years ago.

This year's event welcomed air cadets from the 444 Shoreditch squadron, music from Bacchus, End of the Century, Random and rappers from Limehouse Youth Club. Narrow Street resident Sir Ian McKellen dropped in to sample the delights of a Punch and Judy show during the afternoon.

Volunteer Neil Sutton, who has lived in the area for four years, said: "I thought this year was a great success. The organising team put a lot of work into it.
"This festival is about community and charity, and it's great for the kids."