SWINDON was alive with residents celebrating the May Day weekend and attending dozens of events in and around the town.

From welly wanging and Maypole dancing, to live music and illusionists, there was plenty for families to see and do.

Despite the unpredictable weather, the sun shone on many of the events, including the annual Wanborough May Day Fayre at the village hall and recreation ground.

While water-logged playing fields made parking difficult for visitors, the sunshine saw plenty of revellers turn out to enjoy the crafts, stalls, and fairground activities on offer.

There was a lucky dip, bouncy castle, penalty shootout and quoits as well as a well-stocked beer tent.

Visitors also had a chance to enter the famous Wanborough Scarecrow Trail, and visit the dozens of storybook characters propped up around the village.

Tessa Lanstein, one of the organisers, said: “We’ve had plenty of people turn up and the field was filling with people even just an hour in.

“Everybody was having a good time and everyone was smiling and seemed to be enjoying themselves.

“We were lucky with the weather, it was just so changeable.”

“It has been a bit frustrating for drivers though. Where we are a village, our over-flow carparks are on fields, and we haven’t been able to use them because of the rain.

“I know that it has been very frustrating for people and all the pub car parks were full up with cars.”

The theme for this year’s scarecrow trail is stories and poems, and scarecrows have popped up against houses and lampposts as part of the annual event, with families being encouraged to spot as many as they can before the trail ends on May 10.

Those who want to take part can pick up a trail sheet from the village hall.

Tessa said: “It’s a really popular event that brings the whole of the community together.

“We’ve about 50 families around the village who have made scarecrows this year and the Scouts have got involved as well.

“It grows more and more popular every year. It’s particularly popular on the May Day bank holiday, which is also when we hold the Wanborough May Day Fayre.”

This year also saw the last ever rendition of SN1 Fest on Sunday, a celebration of techno, elctro, electronica and house music which took place at Rift & Co, in Bridge Street, from 12pm to 1am.

A spokesman said: “SN1 Fest was awesome. I am going to miss it but it had to be the last one. Thanks to everyone who DJ’d, partied, worked, helped. Too many people to mention but it was great having you all there. Thanks for all your support over the years, we really appreciate it.”

Meanwhile in Highworth, residents celebrated with the fifth May Day market, with music, entertainment and activities.

There were stalls and fairground activities as well as a Punch and Judy Show, dancing around the May Pole, an illusionist, and live music.