Balmy weather attracted thousands of people to the banks of the Royal Military canal at Hythe for the Venetian fete last night.

Armed with picnics, chairs and blankets they stood and sat on any available space to watch the biennial spectacle.

Twenty-eight floats, all but one pulled by rowing boats – the crew of one decided to paddle themselves ­- were greeted by cheers and applause as they sailed past.

Denis Egan, of the Hythe Venetian Fete Society, said: “We could not have wanted for a better evening.”

Subjects of the decorated floats ranged from Disney characters and Thunderbirds to growing old disgracefully and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Once dusk had fallen there were fireworks and the floats returned for the illuminated parade.

Among the awards was best daylight tableaux which went to the Hythe Twinning Association.