A HOST of exciting and entertaining arena events and something to please every member of the family was a recipe for success at this year's Erith Riverside Festival.

This was the 17th festival held next to the Thames riverfront and organised by a committee of local people.

The Riverside Gardens in Erith High Street was packed with stalls and sideshows run by charities and community groups.

Two history re-enactment groups, Temesvikings and the Bonivant Household, got excitement levels rising.

And crowds marvelled at the skills of gymnasts from the Erith based Europa Gym Club and baton twirlers Riverside Reflections and the Abbeywood Twirlers.

There were also displays from the Rabble Morris Dancers, Russian dancers from Erith's Russian school and modern dance troupe CR8.

Add to the mix Mickey the Magician, a drum workshop from Erith Drum Club and the lack of any rain and it was a hugely successful day.