TEN days of arts, culture and fun got under way as the “best small festival in the world” kicked off at the weekend.

The 33rd edition of the Aberdour Festival, which runs until August 7, was launched with the crowning of king and queen Danny Goldberg and Isla Hallam-Stewart, and attendants Dorian Todd and Iona Baxter.

Drum group Drumatik and the royal party then led a colourful festival parade through the village streets, trailed by a host of Roald Dahl characters including Oompa-Loompas, Fantastic Mr Foxes, Miss Trunchbull, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The centenary of the popular author's birth is being celebrated at this year's festival, which will also mark the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

More fun followed at the Beach Day at Black Sands, with kids and adults alike putting their building skills to the test in the sandcastle competition.

Contestants then tested the waters in the raft race, won by 'The Illuminati' skippered by Gabriel Slater, and the harbour races. Music and dancing were laid on at the festival ceilidh in the evening.

Sunday's Donkey Brae Run was a resounding success as always, with this year's seven-mile race won by James Waldie of Carnethy Hill Racing Club in a time of 37:58, and Tanya Shields of Edinburgh Athletic Club the first woman in 41:46.

Pitreavie AAC's Alex Johnston and Jenny Gillanders were first boy and girl in the two-mile race, clocking 11:18 and 12:52 respectively.

Festival chair Philomena Oldfield said: “The Donkey Brae Run was one of the busiest we've had for a number of years, with more than 400 taking part.

“The festival parade was fantastic and really well-attended. People made a lot of effort to dress up!

“The sandcastle competition as always was very popular, and the ceilidh was filled to capacity – folk were dancing from the first note!

“We had our first-ever prosecco bar on the beach this year ad it was lovely to sit on the edge of the water with a glass and watch the races.

“The art festival saw a lot of artists come forward and was one of the best art events we've had for years.”

Best-selling author Jenny Colgan and illustrator Nick Sharratt are the big literary names featured this year, and other events which have taken place this week include the Village Market, Comedy Night headlined by Patrick Monaghan and Jojo Sutherland, the Easter v Wester Aberdour football match, 'Pint-Sized Plays' by the Aberdour Players and the Aberdour Pet Show.

There's plenty more fun in store today (Thursday), including the Easter v Wester Aberdour Cricket Match, an outdoor activity day at Fordell Firs, circus skills workshop and Rockin' Bingo, while Friday's hot ticket is Bands by the Sands, a full day of live music.

Expect an action-packed Saturday at the Village Sports and Gala Day and Festival Try-A-Sail. Sunday's highlights include the gourmet food and wine tasting, the Festival Songs of Praise and Craic in the Courtyard.

For the full programme, log on to www.aberdourfestival.org.