The sun finally had its hat on this weekend as families soaked up the rays with fine food and traditional May Day festivities.
Thousands of people descended on Melton's cattle market for the two-day Artisan Cheese Fair, where up to 40 producers were busy selling their wares.
Some of the finest cheeses Britain has to offer were on show in the market's exhibition halls, along with stalls selling award-winning pies, wine, bread, beer and other hearty fare.
Paul Gregory, 40, from Whitwick, said he was taken aback by the variety of cheeses and other foods on show.
"It was really good, much bigger than I expected," he said. "I went with my fiance and our baby daughter and we had a great day out.
"I'm a self-confessed foodie who loves his cheese and wine so jumped at the chance to sample so many delicious foods.
"I was so impressed and it's great to have such a prestigious event as this right on our doorstep."
The fair also featured cooking demonstrations and family entertainment.
Matthew O'Callaghan, chairman of the Melton Mowbray Food Partnership, said: "It went extremely well. This is only the third year we've organised the fair and we welcomed almost 7,000 visitors over the two days. That's 3,000 up on last year!
"It was so popular that a lot of the cheese-makers sold out entirely. Many also said it was the busiest fair they had ever been to. There was a lovely atmosphere."
Meanwhile in Leicester, May Day celebrations took over the city centre, with activities organised at museums including Newarke Houses, Leicester Castle, Jewry Wall, the Guildhall and Wygston's House.
The family fun included medieval-themed craft workshops and trails for children.
There was maypole dancing and morris men at the castle, where visitors got the chance to sit in medieval stocks, while the Guildhall hosted traditional folk music and dance, and children's crafts.
Lindsey Bruce, 28, from Eyres Monsell, Leicester, took her daughters Rachell, three, and Scarlet, six, to the Guildhall.
She said: "It was lovely and we had a great day.
"There was loads for the girls to do and they loved it.
"The weather was beautiful, too."
