UXBRIDGE High Street was home to the weird and wonderful yesterday when it’s annual street arts festival BigFest returned to town.

Families from all over the borough were invited to join in on the free street arts festival, organised by Hillingdon Council.

Deputy Mayor John Hensley joined in the festivities with his wife, Diane.

He said: “It brings the community out, brings the community together and brings joy to the families.

“You can see on everyone’s faces that they are truly part of it.”

Across the day, kids both little and large delighted in getting their faces painted, trying their hand at circus skills, and having a go on the coconut shy.

There was also a travelling cabinet of curiosities, a storytelling stage, and an international food market to grab a bite to eat.

Patricia Ogundero, 50, a professional artist and Uxbridge resident who ran the painting stall, said: “It’s always so great to get children involved in art.

"It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s great to have children express themselves and have fun with colour to do what they want.”

The Uxbridge Flower Stall, located opposite Uxbridge Station, was also transformed into a stage for musicians to entertain the crowd.

Snow White and The Dame from this year’s pantomime at the Compass Theatre were also present for photographs with the families.

Jason Augustine, 44, who had come from Hayes with his two children, aged six and two, said his daughter had enjoyed the magic area, while he and his son had enjoyed listening to the storyteller.

“Everything with a bit of culture, a little bit different that the kids might not normally do is healthy," he said.

“It’s nice that you don’t have to pay for it as well.

“Everybody should come!”