WOKING SUMMER FESTIVAL made a storming return after the disappointment of last year’s cancellation – much to the delight of residents and organisers.

The 2011 showcase, set up by the Woking District Rotary Club, had to be called off due to difficulties in organising the event usually held on the playing fields of The Winston Churchill School in St Johns.

But more than 2,000 people welcomed its return with live music, breathtaking acrobatic performances, stalls, raffles and tombolas at a new venue in Woking Park. All proceeds will go to the Macmillan Cancer Trust.

Membership and publicity chairman Peter Kleyn said: “It was almost like starting again.

“It was our first event at Woking Park and everything was a new experience but we are very happy with how the day turned out.

“Woking Borough Council want us to make it a regular event but we’ll haveto sit down and raise the issue at our September meeting.

“It would be fantastic to get Woking Summer Festival on the calendar as a major annual event.”

A collection of vintage cars gave the afternoon a touch of class. Among the admirers were Woking mayor Michael Smith and mayoress Anne Murray.

Surrey Pipe Band gave the festival a Highland feel, but it was the band of circus performers who stole the show.

Acrobats stunned the crowds with somersault routines and tightrope walks, while clowns and stilt-walkers entertained children with balloon animals and facepainting.