Grim skies didn’t stop Meopham exploding into colour as villagers turned out in force for the annual May Day fair.

A parade through the village was followed by the crowning of the May Queen and King, which this year were Emily Tasker, 11, and Vincent Simpson, 10, while their attendants were Farrah Knapp, Hope Driscoll, Alex Thomas and Lucas Dennison.

Becky Nicholson, head teacher of Meopham Community School, said the fair had been enjoyed by hundreds, with highlights like the maypole dancing, arena performances, stalls and inflatables – despite intermittent downpours.

While the school hosts the event, Miss Nicholson explained it was put on for the community and had become an important date in the village calendar.

“People turned out as always, it’s always very popular,” she said.

“It’s a big community event; they close the road and the procession starts at the train station.

“It’s been going on for 20 years now. We have a lot of people from the community who turn up that don’t have direct links to the school.”

Youngsters from the Amelia Appleby School of Performing Arts provided further entertainment; while live music came from rock covers band Trading Places.