THE ever-popular Chobham May Day Carnival was a rave success, not least because the weather matched the shining spirit of all those connected with the village.

Led by the Surrey Pipe Band, a colourful procession left Burrow Hill at 11am. The parade comprised many imaginative and truly fabulous floats and walkers dressed as characters from children’s storybooks, inkeeping with the event’s theme.

Among them were the Chobham Museum team who dressed as Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland characters, including Di Finch as the Queen of Hearts (left), and were crowned the best dressed of the day overall.

As well as the traditional May Queen and Princess there was at least one Oompa Loompa, while a number of giant-size chick-ens, aka Chobham Young Farmers, clucked past. There were also a stream of impressive shiny vintage vehicles including a convoy of fire engines from different eras.

The diverse string of strangely delightful sights wound their way through the village and along the bunting-strewn High Street, flanked by thousands of spectators, before pouring out on to the recreation ground in a blaze of colour. While Chobham Country Market took place in the village hall, there were many stalls outside, with entertainment and refreshments aplenty.

Prizes were presented to the finest costumes and floats before St Lawrence School pupils regaled all with their traditional maypole dancing.

Illusionist Van Buren conjured up plenty of ‘Oohs’ and ‘Aaahs’, there was balloon modelling, facepainting, Punch & Judy, live music, and the amusing Big & Little pony double-act, whose stunts generated peals of laughter. Meanwhile, for the older kids Jimmy Noyce’s travelling fair laid on thrills and spills.

Picture special in this week's News & Mail.