Thousands of party-goers descended on Thornton Heath on Sunday for the area's fifth annual festival.

The High Street was closed to traffic so residents could enjoy the festival, which took place between noon and 8pm.

As well as international food, children's rides, craft stalls, music and dance, there was also a carnival procession featuring different community groups in celebrations of the different nationalities in Thornton Heath.

The procession was led by the 5th Croydon Company of the Boys Brigade Pipes and Drums and included a masquerade pageant.

Karen Barnett, a community artist who helped organise the procession said more than 100 people participated in the parade.

"More people are getting involved with it from all different cultures and that is what's wonderful about it.

"I don't think you would get that anywhere else, there is such a wonderful mix in Thornton Heath."

Money raised from the event will be used toward the cost of Christmas street lights for the shopping centre.

Tony Rowland, chairman of the Thornton Heath Festival Committee has organised the event for five years, but said last Sunday's festival would be his last.

He said: "Next year I am not sure what is happening. I have been chairman for five years now and built it up from nothing, I think it is time for someone else to take it on."