The sun shone as thousands of people came to Kingston for this year's May Merrie.

The town centre was heaving as families from far and wide made the most of the Bank Holiday Monday weather by joining in the annual festival.

Across Kingston, artists and performers wowed the crowds with live music, breathtaking skills and death-defying stunts.

Kingston's mayor, Councillor Mary Heathcote, who hands over the chains on Wednesday, was among the throng.

She said: "It's breathtaking. We've been to Market Place, All Saints Church and Old London Road. What's lovely is the different characters in each area.

"People that have never been before have been blown away and those that have say it gets better every year."

Surrey Comet:

BeauBowBelles at Eagle Brewery Wharf

John Azah, chairman of Kingston Race and Equalities Council, was also in town.

He said: "This is the first event since all that miserable weather and it just shows how bouncing Kingston can be.

"For me, this is the best way for Kingston to promote itself."

Young attendees were also impressed with the May Merrie.

Former Kingston resident Georgina Hughes, five, travelled with her family from Swindon to be at the festivities.

She said she enjoyed the circus acts in Market Place.

Georgina said: "I liked the girls doing the hoops; I liked it when they went upside down."

Her brother Nathan, six, said: "My favourite bit was when the juggler started juggling with fire."

And seven-year-old Charlie Walker said: "We're having fun."

Surrey Comet:

Mayflies playing in Old London Road

Did you take a photo? Send a pic to newsdesk@surreycomet.co.uk for a chance to win a pair of tickets to  see Oysterband at the Rose Theatre on June 26.