The weekend’s contrasting weather reflected crowd numbers at the Flowers in a Country Church Festival.

Saturday’s sizzling temperatures ensured visitors headed en masse to Harty for its annual red letter gathering.

Heavy downpours on Sunday meant a disappointing start to the second day but, according to church warden Colin Patience, as soon as the sun came out, “so did every man and his wife”.

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The festival, which is in its 35th year, included more than 40 stalls. These were set up in the grounds of the church, and, in a field opposite, the Country Fair, sponsored by the Ferry House Inn, was held.

A Scottish dancing team and a vocal performance from the Sittingbourne Ensemble were among the weekend’s highlights.

Beekeeping and wool spinning displays ensured festivities maintained a traditional rural flavour.

As in previous years, the real showstopper was the dazzling array of colourful flora which lined the church.

Mr Patience said: “There wasn’t a space to be seen, much to visitors’ delight.”

Proceeds raised over the two days will go towards Harty Church and, with money still to be collected, Mr Patience said the festival was sure to make a profit.