THOUSANDS came out to the fifth May Day celebrations in Halstead Public Gardens.

The event, organised by the Friends of Halstead Public Gardens, had a safari theme with youngsters enjoying dressing up for the competition judged by this year’s May Queen Amber Harvey and princesses Alivia Shelton Fleuty and Courtney Phillips.

The event is organised by Linda Hilton, Joan Gibson and Shirley Diver.

For former town mayor Mrs Diver it was her last May Day as she is now leaving the town.

She said: ”We had lot of support from the town, which we are all relieved to see.

“The May Queen and the princesses did a fantastic job, walking around all the stalls, having photos taken and, of course, judging the fancy dress competition, which is never an easy job and wasn’t again this year.

“On a personal level I have always enjoyed the May Day event. It takes a lot of work to get it together.

“Linda, Joan and myself start around February and March, every year.

“I will truly miss doing it, and I had a few tears when chatting and the lovely things they said to me.

“Over the years I have come to know so many people. It’s so important for things like this to happen as it keeps the community alive and growing.”