THE wonders of the world were celebrated in Yate at the weekend as the town was transformed into an international metropolis.

Nearly 1,000 culture lovers enjoyed the cosmopolitan atmosphere and enriching worldly performances outside Yate Heritage Centre on Saturday.

They were treated to glimpses of Eastern European dancing, Chinese choir singing, karate demonstrations and a Bollywood show.

Cultural cuisine was also on the menu as Indian and Chinese food was cooked on the green outside the heritage centre.

Cultural heritage officer David Hardill said: "It all went really well, as well as we had expected.

"People kept coming all day and we had a record number of visitors to the centre at 859."

The Brimsham Green School orchestra performed to the crowds and an Irish dancing group provided some vigorous entertainment.

Celebrity archaeologist Mark Horton, presenter of Time Team and Coast and consultant on current TV drama Bonekickers, dropped in for a surprise visit to see his wife, Kate Clark, perform with Chipping Sodbury Community Choir.

Added Mr Hardill: "It was very nice to see him and was totally unexpected.

"The Chinese choir, Sound of the East, performed for the finale and it was a lovely ending to a good day."