BIGGER and better than ever before was the verdict on this year s Kimpton May festival. The event, which has been running since 1964, has a reputation for being one of the biggest village festivals. Committee member Doug Jenner said: Community is alive a

BIGGER and better than ever before was the verdict on this year's Kimpton May festival.

The event, which has been running since 1964, has a reputation for being one of the biggest village festivals.

Committee member Doug Jenner said: "Community is alive and well and living in Kimpton. So many of our residents are involved in helping at the festival that it really brings the whole village together."

Sunny weather helped make Saturday's procession busier than usual with an estimated 2,000 people watching May Queen Holly Sinclair and attendants Gemma Richmond and Alice Warren drive past in royal style.

The festival is held over the whole holiday weekend starting on the Friday evening with an art show preview in the 13th-century church and a wine event.

Saturday night's concert , Kimpton Entertains, was a sell-out while Brains of Kimpton on Sunday night showcased local talent.

Children's activities included a giant climbing wall, pavement art, fairground rides, football tournament and maypole dancing.

There was also a garden party, a jazz band, a 10k fun run, a craft fair, barbecues, bars, a giant charity auction, Morris dancers, a car-boot sale, traditional music sessions and a Latin American Salsa Night.

The proceeds will be split between the church restoration fund and community causes.