From snakes to pirates Petts Wood's annual May Fayre went down a storm in the sunshine

The annual parade marched through the town along Queensway today (May 4), before finishing at Petts Wood Road Memorial Hall.

Classic cars, marching bands, pirates, cheerleaders, snakes and live music drew crowds in their hundreds to the fun family day.

MORE TOP STORIES Petts Wood Couple Jenny and Mike Youell, 68 and 70, have been coming to the May Fayre since they moved here 30 years ago.

Mrs Youell said: “It’s lovely, such fun for all the children.

“It’s changed a lot over the years though, it’s become more commercialised.

“Everyone is having fun though, even the bowls club is out.”

Residents and shop vendors lined the streets as the parade passed by, led by a 1934 Austin Lichfield.

1934 Austin Lichfield

Charlotte and Caroline Bloodworth, from Orpington, enjoyed the day with their two daughters Amelia and Charlotte.

Mrs Bloodworth said: “It’s good to get out and do community things like this, it’s nice to see people in their homes standing in their drives – I’m surprised more shops aren’t open.”

Each year the event raises money for charity, and this year's beneficiaries are the RNLI, the children’s ward at Farnborough hospital the PRUH and the Petts Wood memorial hall. 

Last year's street collection raised nearly £1,000, and this year's amounts are still being counted. 

Caroline, Alan and Amelia, 3, Bloodworth

Orpington’s May Queen Tiggy Hunter-Gilbert, who was crowned on Saturday (May 2), was one of many in the procession.

Tiggy, 14, from Darrick Wood School, said: “I started off as a fairy when I was three, when I first started out I never thought I would be queen.”

'Just' Nathan with 'Nutty' Nick 

The parade culminated in the crowning of the Petts Wood May Queen, Isabelle Nemeth, 11, from Crofton Junior School.

Part of the May Queen Group, the May day tradition dates back to more than a century. 

Bromley Mayor Cllr Julian Benington, his first time visiting the May Fayre, was on hand to officially present the new Queen with her crown although he grappled with the mechanics of a tiara.

L-R Isabelle, 54, Maya, 11, Ana, 20, Crawford

Former Orpington MP and Tory candidate Jo Johnson, a seasoned veteran of the May day festivities, also dropped by.

Mr Johnson said: “It’s a great community event, everyone who organises it does a great job of gathering people together.”

Dennis Ford, 14

He added his favourite thing of the day was the Orpington honey stall.

Youngsters showed off traditional maypole dancing in the afternoon, while the live band played a selection of classics including Metallica.

Petts Wood May Queen, Isabelle Nemeth centre

Younger members enjoyed face painting and balloon animals, with Crofton Junior pupil Kayley Leigh, 8, describing this year's event as "better than last year".

Fairground rides were another big hit with youngsters, with merry-go-rounds and giant inflatable slides among the many attractions to choose from.

Kayley Leigh, 8, as a cat

Shoppers browsed stalls selling a range of edible and non-edible goodies including coffee, jewellery, books, toys and bric-a-brac.