PREPARATIONS are in place for Austwick's Street Market, Cuckoo Festival and fell race which takes place at the start of the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday.

The village will be decked out with cuckoos as the residents get creative and welcome you into the village from 9.30am to 4pm on June 2.

Austwick’s cuckoo legend states that villagers found a cuckoo 'nesting' and as they are an omen of good weather, the residents built a wall around its nest to keep it in!

The residents are much sharper these days and will be throwing a great party in honour of this story and to celebrate the Queen’s special anniversary.

“The Street Market hasn’t gone ahead since 2020 due to Covid 19 so we want to make sure that this year’s Cuckoo Festival is a very special event. We’re looking forward to marking the jubilee weekend in style whilst raising much needed funds for the village” said Lindsey Smith, Street Market committee chair. “It’s a great day out for all the family.”

The festival will get off to an exciting start with special VIP guest Patrick Grant, clothing designer and judge on BBC One’s The Great British Sewing Bee, opening the day.

Highlights include Thwaites dray horses, Settle & Giggleswick Brass Band, ceilidh music, vintage cars, crafts, produce, plants and baking, ‘spares’ stall and bric a brac stall. Youngsters will enjoy games, activities, face painting and the royal-themed fancy dress parade, which leaves the primary school at 10.45am, led by circus entertainer, Zoot.

Generous sponsors have donated prizes for the Grand Draw and in the tombola and Settle Coal and Tarmac are the main sponsors of the street market.

The Austwick Amble Fell Race, sponsored by Candelisa, has become a key event in the running community. The eight-mile adult course takes a stunning route through limestone scenery above the village. Junior races start at 11.20am and the senior race at 1.00pm. Entries are available on the day from 10.15am on the village green.

All funds raised on the day go towards the upkeep of the village hall and the playing fields which are used by a wide variety of groups and clubs.

The main street through the village will be closed 9am and 4pm on the day with no through access to or from Helwith Bridge and the B6479.

Entry to the Street Market is with the programme. Suggested donation of £1 on the gate. Children free.