SPRING arrived in Banstead with a "bigger and better" May Fayre than ever before.
Thousands gathered in the town centre on Saturday as more than two dozen organisations, including schools, church groups, drummers, pipers, dancers and cheerleaders paraded up and down High Street to launch this year's extravaganza.
It was followed by the crowning of the May Queen, stalls, displays and entertainment in the All Saints Church orchard, and a simultaneous community games event in Lady Neville Park.
Melanie Warren, mother of ten-year-old May Queen Francesca, and by tradition chief organiser for the event this year, said: "It went really well. It was an absolutely amazing day, the whole town was buzzing.
"We stick to the same format. After doing it for nearly 30 years we know what to do to make it successful. It is just getting bigger and better each year. More and more schools and groups are taking part."
Around 2,000 people joined the parade, and visitor numbers were estimated at 5,000.
"At one point I looked down the High Street and all I could see was people," said Mrs Warren. "I thought 'wow look what we have done'.
"In the last five years it has got significantly bigger. You bump into so many people you know. It's like a massive party, and a really good day out.
"I asked Francesca what her favourite part was, and she said 'all of it'. She had such a lovely day."
The fayre charity, nominated by Francesca, was the Banstead YMCA. Around £7,500 was raised for the group through event sponsorship, programme sales, donations and stall fees.
