THE MYTHS and legends spanning thousands of years were brought to life through colourful costumes and competitive races at the annual Dragon Boat Festival 2006.

The festival is the biggest event of its kind in Europe and attracts over 8, 000 spectators every year as well as raising thousands of pounds for charities.

This year 51 teams dressed up in mystical and outlandish costume to re-enact the ancient 'rain making magic’ battle between Lung, dragon of the air and Le, dragon of the water.

According to Chinese myth, the battle was fought in the clouds and produced rain in the winter ready for the dry weather the following summer.

Last year the Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, near Tunbridge Wells, raised in excess of £182, 000 and in the eight years it has been running, has raised a huge £770, 000.

The money raised goes to local charities including Headway, Kent Air Ambulance, Hospice in the Weald, Macmillan Cancer Support and NCH.

The carnival atmosphere is helped along with entertainment from live bands, a funfair, Punch and Judy, circus workshops and plenty more festive treats.

The event is the brain child of charity group Funraisers’ who organise the event every year, one of the organisers Judy Lightbody thinks this could be the biggest festival yet.

“We are hoping to smash last year’s total and raise lots of cash for charity. The turn out this year was fantastic, there were jugglers, activity zones for children and it just seemed like there was so much going on. It was fantastic and good to know everyone is having a great time.”