Flotillas and walking groups took centre stage as the first weekend of the Malden Fortnight kicked off with a much-anticipated and colourful parade.

Young and old lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the groups making their way down High Street on Saturday afternoon for the country life themed affair.

But co-event organiser, Jenny Stuart, said: “The band we had confirmed for out float pulled out on the Wednesday night so on Thursday morning I begged this friend of mine to help.

“We ended up getting this young singer called Georgia and she sang songs from Hana Montana. It was fantastic. The atmosphere was great. It was a really good turnout. We had a really fun afternoon.”

The Market on the Square at St Georges Square was also busy on the day with food and other goodies for sale.

Elsewhere heat lovers lounged about in Beverley Park for the Fun Day where they enjoyed three-legged races, gladiator style jousting and welly throwing on Sunday.

Andy Murray’s historic win at Wimbledon was not shunned as attendees were treated to a screen showing the final.

The Fun Day raised £6,000 for charity, organisers said.

Still to come for the event in its 28th year this year, is the New Malden Craft fair and Day of Entertainment on Saturday with heritage walks on Sunday.

But the Malden Fortnight culminates the following weekend with a Big Band Night at the New Malden Methodist Church and a Sports Club Open Day as well as the eagerly awaited Dog Show in Blagdon Park.