Fun in the sun at fairs and festival
REVELLERS capitalised on fine summer weather with fairs and festivals in Waterfoot and Rawtenstall.
Around 2,500 people – thought to be a record – basked in fine sunshine at The Fest music festival in Edgeside Park, Waterfoot.
It is a showcase for upand-coming musical talent while also giving young people the opportunity to boost their confidence by performing in front of large crowds.
Jill Bevan, trustee of youth charity and organisers The White Horse Project, said: “This is the third event of its kind and it’s a great opportunity to let young people take the lead on a positive community event.”
Around 30 young people worked alongside adult volunteers in a range of roles across the festival – stewards, technicians and performers – and will be awarded an AQA-accredited award for participation and will each receive a certificate.
Revellers enjoyed two days of fun at the Whitaker museum and gallery in Rawtenstall.
The event named ‘Rawtenstall Annual Fair’ saw a celebration of Lancashire pastimes, including dialect, song and music with members of the Lancashire Society.
The free event – which is separate to the event of the same name run by Rossendale Revival in previous years – also featured clog dancing workshops, garden games, a Punch and Judy performance and market stalls from the Clog Market.
Managing director of the Whitaker, Carl Bell, said that around 1,500 people attended across the two days.
He said: “It was fantastic. The weather obviously helps and it was packed all weekend. It’s great to get new eyes on the museum and the town.
“A big thank you to all our partners, musicians, super volunteers and especially the people.”
The sun also shone brightly as Water Primary School held a successful annual Summer Fair.
There were plenty of fun outdoor activities including stocks, pony rides, hook a duck and other games, face painting and a plant stall.
Organised by the ‘Friends of Water School’ fundraising committee, the event raised £917.50.