FANCY dress was the order of the day at an annual festival which saw hundreds enjoying the bank holiday sunshine.

The 49th Kimpton May Festival was held from last Friday to Bank Holiday Monday with a procession, fun run, wine tasting, and music evening also among the highlights.

Villagers mimicked characters from Toy Story, Super Mario and many other children’s favourites to honour the festival’s theme of ‘Toy Box’ and vie for the best dressed accolade.

Roadworks on the High Street that threatened to get in the way of the event were completed on time, although a stray bus did get caught up in the floats.

Publicity manager Graham Archer said: “It was fantastic weather and a fantastic weekend. We think we’ve raised a lot more than last year because of the weather.

“All of our main events sold out – with the wine tasting on Friday night, we had 102 people in the room.”

Although a final figure is some weeks away, organisers estimate to have raised around £30,000 for charity.

The money will be split between the village church restoration fund, Kimpton Village Memorial Hall, and local hospices and community projects.