PHUKET: Hundreds joined the opening day of Phuket's Kathu Culture Street Festival yesterday despite overcast skies and rain that remains a threat to continuing festivities.

The festival, now in its fifth year, is considered to be one of the least commericalised of Phuket's many showcase festivals.

While the locals in central Kathu say the street shows and stalls mark Phuket's Chinese, Indian and Malayan influences, it's also possible to discern the impact of tourism, too.

The festival, with the main stage at the Kathu Medical Centre, continues despite grey skies on Tuesday and Wednesday.