The land of smiles lived up to its name on a scorching afternoon in Battersea Park last Sunday as visitors enjoyed the return of the popular Thai Festival.

Festival-goers tasted some mouth watering food, sampled stunning clothes, fabrics and jewellery and watched a live fashion show.

The one-day festival, which returned after a one-year break, gave visitors the chance to learn more about Thailand, its people and their culture.

Mouth watering authentic dishes, prepared on the spot by chefs from top London restaurants were available to try, ranging from aromatic spicy salads to curries, chilli dips and stir fries.

To accompany these tasty treats, Thai beers and wines were on offer for revellers to enjoy, plus freshly prepared exotic fruit juices and smoothies.

Arts and craft stands offered a range of jewellery, silks, clothing and other fabrics for sale in addition to demonstrations of the expertise needed to produce traditional Thai gifts and handicrafts.

Two stages provided the setting for a range of stunning performances of Thai national dances, classical dance, masked dance, umbrella dance and Hill Tribe dances.

The event was organised by the Thai-UK Trust - a non-profit making, non-Government trust that aims to help the needy both in Thailand and the UK.