The Mayor’s Newham Show was a hot ticket at the weekend as temperatures reached 30 degrees over the weekend.

Around 50,000 revellers donned hats, smothered themselves in sun cream, and made their way to Central Park in East Ham.

The Main Stage on Saturday boasted a wealth of local talent hosted by Ashley-J, Tee-J, and DJ Joe Grime.

Crowds danced away to the Latin rhythms of Luis Lema’s Latinissimo Salsa Band, the reggae roots of Riddin Squad, and bilingual rappers Native Sun and Valentine.

Many acts returned to the Main Stage on Sunday but highlights of the afternoon included CBeebies favourites the ZingZillas, East Ham stage school Deborah Day Theatre Trust, and the final of borough-wide talent search Time to Shine.

The winner was Jasmine Elcock representing Custom House and Canning Town who received her trophy from Young Mayor Rebekah Dike.

Residents showed off their legumes at the Newham Village Fete while others took to the shade of the Cabaret Tent starring Sharn Adela, east London’s very own Motown Diva, through to Sal Bashir the Asian Elvis, as well as a number of unique circus and music hall acts.

The Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales could be seen darting around the Show with Deputy Mayor Cllr Lester Hudson, judging food competitions and meeting residents.

Sir Robin said: “This weekend’s show showed Newham at its best. Our community came together as one to enjoy the superb entertainment. And the brilliant hot weather topped the lot.

“Almost 50,000 people coming to the show can’t be wrong. That is why we continue to do more than any other borough to provide opportunities for free for people to get together in this way and enjoy themselves.”

The Mayor also had the honour of kicking off the Newham Carnival from Rancliffe Road with the Young Mayor on Saturday, themed this year to represent the changing of the four seasons representing the borough’s regeneration and transformation.

An explosion of sound followed after, filling the surrounding streets with everything from gospel choirs, to dohl drums, upbeat chart hits, and rap from the students of NewVIc.

Primary schools and churches went all out making their own costumes while other volunteers donned rain macs and umbrellas from the Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies.

Cheers also went up for local lollipop men and women who were marching underneath a Diamond Jubilee banner to mark the 60th anniversary of the Schools Crossing Service in London.

Queues were 20 people deep to meet Newham firefighters in their red engines and the lines for donkey rides were equally as long.

The Newham Beach returned to popular demand bringing the delights of the sea side to inner city London.

Children either made a splash in the paddling pool, slid their way down the helter skelter, or sat enraptured by the Punch & Judy show as parents kicked back on deckchairs with an ice cream.

To view a picture gallery of both days of the Mayor’s Newham Show, click on the multimedia link on the side bar on the right.