SWARMS of people packed the streets as the quintessentially British festivities of Chobham Carnival stormed into the village amid glorious sunshine.

If Bank Holidays had a fl avour, then they would tickle the tongue with lashings of strawberries and cream, washed down of course with Pimm’s and real ale for the adults and fizzy drinks for the kids.

The theme for the day was ‘country and village life’ and was simply impossible to get away from. Prizes were dished out to the most creative floats that lined the meandering parade, dissecting the crowds stacked either side of the High Street.

Bagpipes blared from Surrey’s Pipe Band and laughter eminated from every corner of the usually quiet village.

Band-member Kenneth Thomson, 67, said: “We’ve been going for 20 years – nearly as long as the carnival. It was nice that so many people turned up to enjoy us playing. It was also nice to see that thing called The Sun!”

Whether Kenneth was referring to the immaculate weather or Chobham’s famous watering hole is unclear, one thing for certain is that Chobham was positively rocking on Monday.

Traditional Maypole dancing produced lashings of colour to break the sea of blue in the sky above, while stalls, shows, tombolas, face-painting and dance offered enough entertainment to last an entire summer.

Families flocked to the carnival, and high spirits were only lifted higher by sunshine.

Alan Hole, 34, of Horsell, said: “The live music outside in the sunshine has been my favourite thing about the day – along with the food, of course. Me and the children really enjoyed the tug-of-war competition.”

Trish Stock, 72, of Chobham, said: “I have been coming here for five years and this year has been glorious – the best year yet. I think the event brings the community together, and having the children playing everywhere is just lovely.”