THOUSANDS of people turned out to enjoy village festivities in Sutton and Cononley at the weekend.

Sutton Fun Day on Sunday was “absolutely brilliant,” according to organiser Christine Young, of Sutton Village Committee.

She said: "The crowds came out in droves. I would say it attracted over 4,000 people, maybe 5,000.

"Every square inch of the park was full of people. I do believe it was the best year ever 'money wise'. I would be shocked if we don't break our takings record."

Although the event did not have a procession, huge crowds of people still packed into Sutton Park to enjoy a variety of entertainment including 41 stalls.

Christine said: "I'm glad we did it this way because to put a procession costs around £2,000 and requires a lot of volunteers."

The two large catering marquees were full of people, Magic Matt kept children and adults entertained with magic shows and Christine said that GR Tucker & Son funfair offered some delightful fairground rides.

Another popular attraction was the dog show, which had 70 entrants this year, an increase of about 25 from a year ago.

Cold drinks were at a premium in the sweltering heat and more had to be brought in.

"We need more people to volunteer for the set up," said Christine. "We had a handful of people who came forward this year and they worked from 8am to 9pm. It's too much."

Glorious weather attracted big crowds to Cononley Gala on Saturday.

"We had a fantastic day," said Councillor Lois Brown, chairman of Cononley Parish Council. "The weather was glorious and it was the best gala day weather in years.

"The playing field was heaving from the start of the afternoon until nearly 6pm and the evening do was a sell-out event with Cononley's very own band, The Thursdays, putting on a phenomenal performance."

Cononley's first ever gala king and queen also created a Hawaiian-themed float to incorporate the Cononley Goes Global theme of the gala.

First-prize winner of the successful raffle was Will Pickles.

She added: "We are hoping for a record profit to help fund the £4,000 it costs to maintain and run the playing fields this year."

Fancy dress float winners - Under 3: 1st Ronnie Brewer, 2nd Edward Jackson, 3rd Emily and William Smith; 4 and 5: 1st Ethan Rutland, 2nd George Jackson, 3rd Poppy Wade; 6 and 7: 1st William Clossick and grandad, 2nd Andrea and Andy Duffey and family, 3rd Joe Timbers; 8 and 9: 1st Amelie Brown, 2nd Orla Clossick, 3rd Bethany Taylor; Float - 1st Stepping Stones Pre-School, Nursey and After School Club, 2nd Cononley Brownies and Rainbows, 3rd The May School of Dance: Cononley Gala sports days winners - Fell Race (Boys): 1st Fergus Clark, 2nd Oliver Wilde, 3rd Nathan Pierce; Fell Race (Girls): 1st Milly Timbers, 2nd Matilda Evans, 3rd Emma Perry; Overall girls sports winner: Milly Timbers; Overall boys sports winner: Sam Barker.close message