THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Uxbridge this afternoon to see clowns, giant insects and a Victorian trickster among dozens of acts.

It was the first year the council organised Bigfest had been held in two sites, with stalls in Barra Hall Park, Hayes, and street performers plying their trade in the centre of Uxbridge.

Torrential rain and wind in the morning meant a lower than hoped for turn-out in Hayes, where organisers had sporting events including a BMX track and an exhibition about the London 2012 Olympics.

The Hillingdon's Got Hidden Talent event contest which was going to be held in the park had to be moved to a covered stage outside Uxbridge Civic Centre because of the conditions.

Councillor Henry Higgins, who is in charge of the event, said: “In Hayes we had a fun run and lots of sporting activities for kids which were well participated despite the pouring rain.

“I think the weather has affected the turn out, but even down in Hayes there were a few people there running round, and as the weather's got better more people have come out.

“We live in England and we have to accept that even in the middle of summer we can have a downpour, but we hold it at this time of year and will continue to do so.”

In Uxbridge a variety of weird and wonderful acts roamed the streets, from The Academy of Dholl percussionists to self-propelled wheelie bins, giant insects on stilts and a group of egg-headed aliens.

Other acts which drew large crowds included Felix Brent on his Penny farthing, a troupe of clowns from Uxbridge College, African music group Adanta and the colourful Kinetica.

Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Brian Crowe, said: “I thought it might have been completely washed out but the weather was not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

“Some of the costumes are particularly entertaining. I've just been accosted by a group of very bald men who were amazed I had a beard, and also a group of very tall, very green insects.

“I hope everyone has enjoyed themselves, and it has given them a good day out.”

The event culminated in a parade down Uxbridge High Street, followed by musical performances by groups on the main stage in front of the Civic Centre.

Log on to this site tomorrow to watcha video of the Uxbridge festivities.