HORLEY was awash with people as thousands helped celebrate the town's biggest St George's Day party yet.
Stalls crammed the High Street as mini golf, bouncy castles and a petting zoo took over the town's car parks on Saturday.
In lieu of the traditional parade, St George did battle with a dragon designed by local schoolgirl Bethany Horn, nine.
With the town centre draped in red and white bunting, and local musicians entertaining the crowds, residents of all ages enjoyed a day of fun in the sun.
"Saturday was about giving something back to Horley," said Terry Chellew, chairman of the Horley Association of Traders, which organised the event.
"I lost count of the number of people who told me it was the best ever and how much they were enjoying the celebrations."
He added: "Our mission is clear: we want to make Horley's St George's Day celebrations the biggest and greatest in the South East."
The sun shone throughout the day and early estimates suggest more than 5,000 people poured into the town to join the party.
"It is great to see the community coming together," said resident Glen Farrelly, 40, who was visiting the fair with his sons Finn, 5, and Joe, 3.
"The sun being out really helps but I think it's one of the best ever."
Lisa Press, 27, added: "It is great; the stalls and all the people are great to see.
"Looking around it is wonderful to see the High Street so busy. It is a really good day."
The traditional fete attractions were supplemented by local trader James Baker, who donned the chainmail and tunic to play St George.
He said: "There are so many people and a lot of smiles, which is always good. Everyone seems to be in really good spirits – I keep getting salutes."
For the traders who had set up shop on the High Street – which was closed to traffic during the day – business was booming.
Kaite Whiteside, 27, was running a cake stall with her son Charlie, 8.
She said: "It is going really well. Everyone is smiling and I've got lots of customers – I'm running out of some cakes."
