GLUSBURN Institute was packed for a weekend of varied events at this year’s Fallfest.

Organisers of the annual festival were ecstatic with the response from people in Glusburn, Cross Hills and surrounding villages.

Festival-goers enjoyed live bands, farmers market, fine dining, a Last Night of the Proms and a First World War commemoration.

The festival, now in its fifth year, is put together by a volunteer committee with extra helpers over the weekend.

Spokesman Sue Ingham said: “We’re delighted with how it went. The response from the local community has been fabulous.

“People very much enjoyed the festival and we feel it is now very much in people’s calendars.”

The festival began on Friday evening with a sell-out gig by local covers band The Big Bang supported by Multiverse Theory.

Sue said: “It was a stunning success, people seemed to be thrilled with the music. We were reluctantly turning people away.

“Multiverse Theory are a young indie band with tight musicianship, absolutely delightful young men.”

Sue praised the volunteer technical team, led by Jason Smith and Nathan Arrowsmith, who gave up a week of their time to set up and operate sound and lights.

On Saturday local bands including Monitor and The Attics entertained at an outdoor farmers market in a field near the Institute.

Airedale Symphony Orchestra and mezzo soprano soloist Joanne Dexter performed a Last Night of the Proms on Saturday evening.

Sue said: “There was talent, skill and musicianship on stage, and the response from the audience was amazing. They wanted the Albert Hall experience.”

Local acoustic musicians Declan and Siobhan Vink formed during a pre-show dinner entitled A Bite At The Opera.

Sunday was devoted to a First World War commemoration, beginning with the unveiling of the parish council’s new war memorial.

Royal British Legion representatives were in attendance, and the Last Post was played.

There was also an exhibition entitled “What happened to local lads?”, devised by local amateur historian David Birks, a talk about conscientious objectors, a screening of the film War Horse, and community singing led by the Rock Up And Sing Choir.

Sue thanked local businesses and councils who helped fund the Fallfest, but said large sponsors were needed to ensure the festival could continue every year.

She also invited local people to join the organising committee. Anyone wishing to help should call Sue on 01535 percent of the history with 632976.