Thousands of people have been soaking up the sun and enjoying the entertainment on the first day of the Rickmansworth Festival.

Crowds have converged on Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Batchworth Lock for the event that has run annually since 1993.

This is actually the first festival in a little while because of the pandemic, but families have made up for lost time by flocking to the aquadrome for some fun in the sun.

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Visitors have been treated to numerous live music performances which run all the way until 10.30pm.

There have also been a variety of local performers who have taken to a number of stages that have been put up in the grounds of the lake with people sitting down on picnic blankets and at tables.

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Watford Observer: Festival director David Montague and entertainment manager Carol ClarkeFestival director David Montague and entertainment manager Carol Clarke
There are a whole host of food and drink stalls serving a range of cuisines and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Other entertainment includes stalls selling a range of goods, a children's funfair, and folk singers.

Numerous local organisations and charities have set up stalls, with a particular focus on community and the environment.

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Shortly after 3.30pm, a Spitfire military aircraft did a couple of circuits over the festival. A Lancaster Bomber is scheduled to take part in a flypast at 11.20am tomorrow (Sunday May 22).

Watford Observer: Spitfire over Rickmansworth Festival. Credit: Angela Scott via Watford Observer Camera ClubSpitfire over Rickmansworth Festival. Credit: Angela Scott via Watford Observer Camera Club

Away from the main stages and stalls, more than 100 canal boats have come to Batchworth Lock. The event is hosted by the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust.

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A tug of war competition was held between boats this afternoon followed by a parade.

Watford Observer: Jan Knox and Dave Wright co-hosted a tug of war competition involving canal boats Jan Knox and Dave Wright co-hosted a tug of war competition involving canal boats

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Today is the first of two days of the festival.

Entry is free but donations are very much welcomed and needed to help put the festival on.

The main car park is on fields at the end of Stockers Farm Road and costs £3.

Watford Observer: The main festival car park accessed from Stockers Farm RoadThe main festival car park accessed from Stockers Farm Road

Disabled parking is available in the usual Aquadrome car park off Harefield Road.

The festival is welcoming visitors into this evening and tomorrow from mid-to-late morning until 5.30pm.

During busy times, there are queues to get into the main car park so leave extra time if possible.

If you've been to Rickmansworth Festival and have pictures you'd like to share with us email nathan.louis@newsquest.co.uk