THE Gurkhas provided many of the highlights at this year's Maidstone River Festival which attracted around 30,000 visitors.

Amid the traditional spectacle of gleaming boats bristling with bunting, the soldiers came speeding through the water armed with rifles and smoke bombs.

Their mission: to take out an enemy position lurking near the public toilets on the river bank. Gasps and cries could be heard from all around as thousands of people watched the bomb blasts which sent an ear-splitting sound echoing across the water.

Horns blasted up and down the river as more than 200 boats signalled their delight at the opening of the festival, performed by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Pat Marshall.

In a first for the festival, the event organisers joined forces with managers of the Lockmeadow leisure complex, which played host to a string of attractions - including a simulated harrier jet ride and a chance to have a go on a digger.

Visitors also enjoyed music from across the generations played by bands stationed at the Hospital Radio Maidstone Riverstage and the Kent Messenger River Festival Stage.

As the night drew on, the boats lit up in a blaze of technicolour for the illuminated display. The event ended with a spectacular fireworks display.