ORGANISERS of the Alresford watercress festival predict next year’s event could break all records.

The rain-sodden event on May 17 still managed to attract a near-record 10,000 people.

They predict that good weather in 2010 will see it beat previous turnouts.

Event spokesman Theresa Doyle said it had become a crucial event for town traders: “More businesses were open than in previous years. It is becoming increasingly important. Businesses that don’t usually open on a Sunday were making an effort to open.

“Even in the rain the crowds turned out. The farmers’ market was also successful.”

From next year the one-day event that celebrates the local crop will be held on the third Sunday in May.