The weather was damp but this didn’t deter the crowds from enjoying a great family day of fun at Austwick’s Street Market and Cuckoo Festival recently.

Young and old appreciated the day long free entertainment: Oak Jazz Band, Giggleswick and Settle Brass Band, Frank the Harpist, Zoot the children’s entertainer, Roger and his miniature animals and the fancy dress procession of superheroes welcomed into the village by the team of Thwaites dray horses.

Food stalls did a roaring trade offering the best of Yorkshire fare for every taste: scones and cream, bacon butties, hog roast, the unique bus stop café and, of course, the legendary W.I. tea spread.

There was no shortage of things to admire in the rain and many an opportunity to grab a bargain - bikes or bric a brac, books or bedding plants - and many a trash to treasure opportunity. While the shopaholics shopped, the children played and the classic cars were admired.

The fell race attracted almost 170 runners from far and wide to tackle the ’Austwick Amble. And throughout the day the Austwick cuckoos observed the event as they have for over 30 years. Almost £16,000  was raised, by the village for the village. Organisers gave congratulations and thanks to all who helped to create and support the very successful 2017 market and festival.

Austwick Amble Results 2017 Senior race 1st Chris Arthur 48.44 Bowland FR 2nd Harry Coates 50.18 Wharfedale Harriers 3rd Chris Miller 50.56 Harrogate Harriers Under 17Sebastian Segger-Staveley Settle Harriers Under 15 Jack Villiers Barlick FR Under 13 William Rolands-whittaker Trawden AC Under 11Ben Stratton Trawden AC (for a full list of runners and times go to the Austwick Village web site) Many thanks to all those that took part in the Austwick Amble races. Also many thanks to all the marshals and helpers. Conditions started wet but improved during the afternoon, making the running conditions reasonably good, if a little slippery in places. Congratulations to race winner Chris Arthur who equalled the course record of Lee Athersmith set in 2013.