COMMUNITY was the word of the day as a record number of people turned out for the Lower Kingswood Village Fete.
The event, organised by 15 groups from in and around the village, has become a fixture in the annual calendar, with residents taking the chance to catch up with neighbours and enjoy a day in the sun.
Candy floss, a climbing wall and the ever-popular dog show took over Lower Kingswood recreation ground for the event on Sunday.
Gill Utting, chairman of the organising committee, said: "The day was brilliant; it was a great community effort and everyone said what a wonderful time they had.
"People were saying it is the only chance they have to meet everyone in the village. It is the only time we have an event which is for everyone."
She added: "People said the fete was fuller than they have ever seen it."
The event, which is sponsored by Fidelity Investments, helps raise money for the groups involved, which includes the Rainbows, Scouts, the WI and the Lower Kingswood Bowls Club.
Stalls packed the recreation ground on Buckland Road and entertainment in the main arena included a magic show, Punch and Judy, and the Epsom Downs Steel Band.
While children young and old scaled the climbing wall, or took a turn at balloon modelling or golf, many were drawn to the day's main event – the dog show. Prizes were handed out for the most appealing puppy, best child dog handler and the dog with the waggiest tail.
There was also a unique cultural twist on offer, with the Pearly King of Peckham, George Major, launching his Cockney Museum, featuring the history of Pearly Kings and Queens, at the event ahead of a tour round the South East.
A final fundraising total had not been calculated when the Mirror went to press.
