by Andy Gray

They came, they saw and Kings Hill's inaugural music festival was declared an all-conquering triumph.

Musical festivities at the specially-built arena in Tower View began on Friday with opera singer Katherine Jenkins headlining.

The ethereal Welsh songbird, backed by the National Symphony Orchestra and supported by fellow operatic, Wynne Evans, was in full heavenly voice as the heavens opened and threatened to put a dampner on the opening night.

Fortunately, skies cleared on Saturday and bill-toppers Sugababes and McFly put on suitably blistering sets.

In total contrast to its soggy beginnings, the festival closed on the hottest day of the year.

With temperatures nudging 30C, Demelza Summer Sunday included a host of sideshow activities alongside a fine performing cast.

On stage, Stacey Solomon proved to be a delightfully scatty host.

The former X-Factor star also performed a slick, low-key set.

Following appearances from Kent's X-Factor finalist Ben Mills and 80s legends ABC, Bjorn Again closed the show.

The Abba look and sound-a-likes played a stunning rendition of the Super Swedes' biggest hits that had crowds singing and dancing during a glorious sunset.

More pictures in this week's Kent Messenger.