Carnival-goers flocked to Mitcham in their thousands on Saturday to enjoy live music, wrestling and hundreds of community stalls.

Despite a drizzly start to the morning, Mitcham Carnival organisers at Merton Council estimated that 5,000 people turned out for the free entertainment on Three Kings Piece over the day.

This year's theme was Swinging Sixties, with residents invited to create a Merton-themed cake to commemorate the borough's 50th anniversary.

Attractions included a show-down between hurculean athletes at Future Pro Wrestling and a demonstration by lumberjack display team Adams Axemen.

Britain's Got Talent 2014 finalist James Smith led the music on the main stage with compering by Colour House Theatre director Charlie Shakespeare.

A Jeremiah Project and Hope Bus giving out free teas, coffees and face-painting was among more than 120 charity and trade stalls at the event.

Stallholder Sandra Vogel, trustee of Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage, said: "We had a very successful carnival. We met lots of new people.

"We got lots of new members. It was a lovely day."

But she said: "It felt like there were fewer people. It felt like it wasn't as well supported as it has been in the past.

"I wonder whether that's because the family support might have been a bit smaller because of there not being a parade."

A council spokesman said estimates showed about the same number of visitors as last year, the first time there wasn't a parade for more than a decade.

The parade was controversially cancelled two year's ago after police withdrew their support and the council said it could not afford to pay for the requisite road traffic order commercial security staff.

Following a campaign by the Wimbledon Guardian, London and Quadrant Housing Trust agreed to donate £300, but it was too little too late to save the parade.

It was also suggested that schools and community groups were less willing to take part in the parade due to concerns about insurance and health and safety.

The Mitcham Society has suggested organising a walking parade around Three Kings Piece next year, which would not require a road traffic order.

Did you attend the carnival? What did you think? Comment below, or email letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.