CROWDS flocked to galas in Silsden and Cowling at the weekend despite mixed weather.

The Silsden Gala, at the town’s park on Sunday, was billed as the final event of Silsden’s Grand DeParty.

Residents organised several public events this month to celebrate the first anniversary of the Tour de France going through Silsden.

A procession along the town’s main street included decorated bikes, prams and scooters, as well as individuals in costumes, including a jellyfish and a soggy zumba dancer.

Participants included Accrington Pipe Band and young soccer players from Silsden Knights.

On the gala field organisers arranged attractions including a miniature garden competition and appearances by the princess sisters from Disney film Frozen.

The Grand DeParty committee, who had previously hosted a park fun day and showcase for local groups, thanked everyone who took part in Sunday’s event as well as the gala committee.

Cowling Gala was organised by a new committee of five working mums following the disbandment of the previous committee last year.

Sally Horner, one of the women, said Saturday’s event was a huge success, with many locals commenting that it was the "best gala for years".

She said: “Even a torrential downpour was not enough to deter people. It was enjoyed and supported by the whole village.

“The excitement started on the Friday evening when ITV News Calendar did their broadcast live from the field.

“This was about the traditional dales game of knurr and spell which was taking part on the field prior to the gala.

“They also interviewed the gala organisers as they recognised that we were trying to keep a village tradition alive in keeping with the game of knurr and spell.”

During Friday’s broadcast villagers turned out to have a go at the game, followed by a barbecue and disco, at an event organised by Drystone Radio.

Sally said: “As we had such good publicity, many more people turned out to support the gala, which started with the baby show and pet competition in the morning.

“This was followed by the procession, which many more groups of people were involved with, taking to heart the 50s and 60s theme.”

The Cowling Gala Queen, Annaliese Querns, was crowned on the field, watched by attendants Holly Emmott, Lucy Coates, William Cluny, Amelia Best and Daisy Toothill, and the ceremony was followed by children's races, a tug of war competition and the annual fell race.

Sally added: “Music throughout the day was provided by two bands, and there were plenty of other attractions, with the fair, face painter, various stalls, ice cream, raffle and tombola. The tea tent did a roaring trade throughout the day, especially during the brief downpour.”

“The success made all the hard work of organising it worthwhile. We would like to thank everyone who supported us and helped out on the day.”