What a fabulous day it was to be. Everything was in place - balloons, ribbons, food, entertainment, pictures, transport and much more.

When Tuesday, June 4, arrived at the Golden Galleon, we all looked in horror as the dismal, grey, rainy day unfolded before us but, in true British spirit, we decided the show should go on - and it did .

The outside acts, dancers, musicians and even magicians one by one came inside the Golden Galleon, closely followed by what seemed to be half the population of Seaford.

The atmosphere was glowing, bustling and certainly cosy.

As the great British public, a little cold and rather damp, found a space to stand while enjoying fine ales, good food and great entertainment, the artists, unfazed by dancing, singing and performing in a confined area, proved how professional they were to gasps, laughs, claps and cheers.

It was an afternoon which had to be seen to be believed.

The evening was to be a grand affair, with some travelling miles to hear the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, fresh from Buckingham Palace, talking about the jubilee and acknowledging the part our much-loved Golden Galleon had played in achieving a reduction in beer duty in the Chancellor's Budget.

We grinned with pride as the praise from the Lord Lieutenant, Phyllida Stewart-Roberts, fell on appreciative ears.

During the evening, the Lord Lieutenant wound her way through the audience to observe more closely some wonderful young artists from Newlands School and then sat back with her party to enjoy an evening of swing with Johnny Spice and the Sounds Familiar Swing Orchestra.

Toes tapped and spirits were raised throughout the pub, only interrupted by the announcement that a long-awaited guest was just a short distance down the coast.

Everyone quickened their steps, with a sense of excitement and expectation, into the beer garden to greet this unusual guest.

The theme from The Dambusters came over the speakers in the grounds and people began to point, shriek and wave.

It had arrived despite the weather - a Second World War Spitfire performing a breathtaking flying display in the valley, just for us.

There seemed not a dry eye in sight and we all smiled, knowing our day was done.

Our thanks to the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, the mayor and everyone who braved the weather to join in our very special day.

-Stefano Diella and Alan Edgar, The Golden Galleon, Cuckmere