Dinosaurs stalked the streets, scarecrows came to life and a cross-dressing nun performed to passers-by.

This year’s Fuse Medway Festival was certainly a fun-packed affair.

More than 50 bands, drama groups and dance teams were involved in the 15 day celebration of arts and creativity.

The festival, organised by Medway Council’s arts development team, is designed to challenge mainstream culture and introduce the arts to a much wider audience.

During the event streets, venues and open spaces buzzed with the sights and sounds of some of the newest and most unusual performers from Medway and further afield.

Highlights of the festival included an exhibition of giant metallic dinosaurs, performances by Musical Ruth a piano playing drag-nun and the Hei people, a collection of snapily-dressed scarecrows created by Scandinavian artist Reijo Kela.

There were also intimate gigs by Medway musical stars Lupen Crook, Kid Harpoon and Brigadier Ambrose.

The programme, designed to reach the whole community, also encouraged audiences of all ages to take part in workshops and street art events.

Some of the lessons on offer included break dancing, Bollywood routines and the Brazillian martial art Capoeira

The event was funded by a grant of £80,000 from The Arts Council England, plus a further £51,000 from Medway Council.

Cllr Howard Doe, portfolio holder for community services, said: “I think this year went brilliantly. It was certainly a success and we are very pleased to have introduced new people to the arts.

“It intrigues people, encourages them to get involved and is very worthwhile.

“The arts are often placed on a pinnacle and people think it’s not for them but we are trying to dispel that idea”.