CROWDS of people turned out to take part in the 16th annual Skipton Waterways Festival.

The festival, which was held in the Skipton canal basin over the bank holiday weekend, was organised by family-run canal boat hire company Pennine Cruisers.

Festival organiser Zoe Clarke, of Pennine Cruisers, said: "It's gone really well and we're very pleased. We've had more people this year than last year and we've been lucky with the weather."

The festival was busy throughout the weekend, but Zoe, who lives in Skipton, said as soon as the Tour de Yorkshire riders went through Skipton on Sunday, crowds of people came to the waterways festival.

"We were absolutely packed after the Tour came through," she said.

Zoe also said that one of the highlights of the waterways festival was the illuminated boat parade on Sunday night.

She said: "There 13 different boats that took part and the towpaths were full of people who watched on the evening."

She also said that many of the privately owned canal boats who took part in the festival over the three days were decorated and their owners dressed up for the occasion.

As part of the waterways festival, the heritage short boat Kennet moored in the Skipton canal basin over the three days.

Barnoldswick's Mike Clarke, canal historian and president of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Society, was on board the Kennet helping to introduce members of the public to the floating interactive museum.

"We've had around 1,800 visitors on board over the three days," said Mike. "When there's something going on along the canal, the Kennet's always there because there's so much on board."

Kevin and Faye Mercer, of Riddlesden, came to the waterways festival with their daughters, Eva, 10, and Emilia, 8.

During their first ever visit to the festival, the Mercers went on board the Kennet to have a look around.

"I've learned a lot about the canal's history," said Eva. "It's been educational but in a fun way."

Stephen and Alison Siddall came from Bury for a day out at the waterways festival.

"We are frequent visitors to Skipton and we really like the atmosphere of this festival," said Stephen. "We also like to look at all the canal boats."

Skipton town ambassador Judy Probst said: "The Skipton Waterways Festival gets better and better every year. It has a great family atmosphere and it's lovely to see visitors and local people as well."

Zoe added: "I don't think this weekend could have gone any smoother."