ORGANISERS of Silsden's annual Proms on the Farm have hailed the latest event as the best ever.

Well over 1,000 people – many in fancy dress – attended Saturday's event, at Sycamore Farm in Brunthwaite.

The field was full of gazebos as people revelled in an entertainment-packed evening.

"It was absolutely fantastic and we had more people than ever there," said Rosalie Holroyd, for the organising team.

"We were helped by the weather. It was a lovely day and evening – we couldn't have wished for better.

"It's a terrific community event that brings everyone together, but also we get people – of all ages – coming from a wide area beyond the town.

"The atmosphere was just unbelievable and so much imagination and creativity had gone into some of the fancy dress."

People set up in the field from early afternoon.

An official welcome was given by Methodist minister, the Rev Ruth Crompton, and the event was opened at 7pm by Silsden Mayor, Councillor Peter Robinson.

The programme of music featured the Sultans of Swing, 1960 Four – formerly the Big Bang – and Ripon City Band, with soloist Sarah Halstead.

All the favourites from the Last Night of the Proms were played.

The event also featured an auction and raffle, with an array of donated lots and prizes.

Proceeds will be split between Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands and Silsden Methodist Church.

"We're confident that once the final figure is totted up we will have at least matched – and hopefully surpassed – last year's total," said Mrs Holroyd.

"We sold out of raffle tickets within about an hour and the auction alone took more than £1,000."

She said it was a huge team effort to stage the event and she thanked everyone for their "incredible" support.

"We just have four on the committee but there are so many volunteers, who help in all kinds of way, from stewards and first aiders to electricians and security," she added.

"We couldn't do it without them all.

"We're indebted to Jean Newns, who kindly allows us to use the field every year.

"The support from local businesses is also fantastic, with so many donations of goods – we're extremely grateful."

The Proms began as a small event 13 years ago, raising money for Manorlands and the Methodist Church.

It has continued to grow and over the years has coined-in more than £100,000.