ONE of the biggest May Day celebrations in the region was hailed as a great success by organisers yesterday.

The Mendlesham Street Fair was blessed with unbroken sunshine for the first time in many years and thousands of visitors turned out to enjoy the traditional feast of entertainment.

The day began with a parade from the village’s playing field to the heart of the festivities in Old Market Street. This year’s May Princess, Eleanor Bowyer, 13, was accompanied by her attendants Stephanie Dempsey and Daniella Everitt, both eight.

St Mary’s Church in the village also nominated a May Queen for the procession: Rhian Bamford, 11, who was accompanied by Lois Bolster, eight, and Katelyn Bolster, three. A Boys’ Brigade band accompanied the procession.

The fair had fun for all the family, including live music, a children’s entertainer, belly dancers, displays of antique toys, birds of prey, a craft fair and a hog roast, which sold out twice over.

Sandra Exley, one of the organisers, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day and the weather was brilliant. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. We are so pleased.”

Money raised by the event is collected by the Mendlesham Community Council, which distributes money to local groups and causes.