HUNDREDS of people flocked to Highworth's town centre on Saturday to enjoy the circus-themed May Day event.

Dozens of stalls filled the streets and visitors enjoyed a packed programme of free events with a grand finale which pit popular pubs against each other in an obstacle course competition.

The Goldfinger, The Wine Bar, The Globe and The Saracen's battled it out in team-based challenges in colourful costumes to find out who was the best bar.

It was a highlight of the day which also included live music and circus acts performing on the main square to a cheering crowd, loads of local businesses selling their wares, and a circus skills workshop for children and adults.

Residents Nikki Bennett and Margaret Smith said they were very pleased with the entertainment on offer.

Miss Bennett said: "This is a lovely, lovely day, every year it's really great. Well done, Highworth."

Miss Smith agreed: "It's fantastic, it's always a popular event and it's been very well-organised this year."

Local bands The Shadow Puppets and Lads, Lads, Lads played during the afternoon and Paddy the Hat, Ms Merlin, and the Men in Slacks from Falding's Fandangos wowed audiences with their circus skills.

Cloudy skies blocked the sunshine but the crowds were in high spirits in Highworth.

Many of the stalls at the event were raising money for charities including Prospect Hospice, the British Heart Foundation, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, and Action for Children.

Highworth Emporium had a photo booth outside their shop in the Square where families could get their photo taken with a staff member dressed as a clown and donate money to Prospect.

The Emporium's co-owner Richard Marsden was happy with how the day had gone.

He said: "It's been very good for us today and it's always good to support the local community.

"We took over this business last year so we took a fresh approach to the event and it seems to have gone down very well."

Meanwhile, Highworth and Shrivenham's Action for Children support group were selling plants to raise money for the charity.

One member said: "We did very well, we've sold three tables of plants and there's been a lot of people about.

"Last year we raised around £400 and with a bit of luck we'll match that this year.

"It's always nice to talk to people and catch up with them, it's a good community-spirited day with a great atmosphere."