MUSIC, laughter and celebration filled the streets of Polperro as the village kicked off its annual nine day festival.

The crowning of a new Lord Mayor was one of the highlights of the first day, and the honorary fun title goes this year to James Overton.

Tradition sees the new mayor ‘dunked’ in the harbour as part of the initiation, but keen swimmer James took to the task with gusto.

‘Jimmy was chosen because we feel he supports a lot of charities. He is continuously selfless in his aim to help raise money and support charities close to home and abroad,’ said festival organiser Kelly Gilbert.

‘He’s a very popular character in the village, and can be found in many of the local hostelries propping up the bar on the weekends with a smiling face and open arms.’

The festival has continued this week with a family dog show, arts and craft days, a schools day and comedy.

The festival will draw to an exuberant close with a pirate day today (Saturday), for which locals and visitors are being encouraged to dress up in costume.

The final parade will make its way down through the village this evening for more live music on Big Green.