Organisers hailed “the biggest Croxley Revels they can remember” as thousands of people swamped Croxley Green for the annual event this afternoon.

Societies, clubs, organisations and schools from across the village and neighbouring towns set up more than 80 stalls on The Green.

Crockery smashing, tae kwon do demonstrations, candy floss, arts and crafts, live bands and the fiercely-contested primary school push-ball competition made up just a handful of the attractions.

Mark Saxon, chairman of the Croxley Green Society (CGS) which organises the event, said it was the biggest he could remember.

“I think this is the one event where the whole of Croxley Green, irrespective of who they are, how much they earn or where they live, can get together and come here for a genuine family fun day out.”

The Croxley Revels in its current format has been running since the 1970s but records date similar events back to the 1930s.

Joan and Michael Bovington have lived in Croxley Green since 1963 and have been involved in running both tennis club and church stalls for many years.

Michael said: “It hasn't changed that much in all the years I have been coming here, which is a good thing, it has just got bigger. This is certainly one of the biggest I have seen.”

Organisers estimated that about 10,000 people visited The Green throughout the day.

Mike Roffe, a Croxley Cub Scout leader for 19 years, was manning the Scouts' stall where visitors were trying their hand at the 'unrideable horse' and the human fruit machine.

He explained why people came back to the event year after year.

“I think the variety of the entertainment but it is also a chance for people to get to know what is going on in their village.”

Live bands pumped out music all afternoon from the big stage and CGS secretary Barry Grant said the good atmosphere showed the community was still alive.

“It is the social event of the year for Croxley Green and showcases the village. Most people from Croxley are here and it is that captive audience which is important.”

The days events drew to a close when Harvey Road School took home the coveted push-ball trophy, played out in the main arena, in front of a packed crowd.