CORONATION celebrations across Craven kicked off on Saturday with a live screening in Skipton of the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey, London.

Hundreds of people left their television sets and settled down in deckchairs and either brought their own picnics to watch the historic event unfold on a large screen in the canal basin.

Organised by Skipton Town Council and Skipton BID, the event included a number of stalls serving up tasty treats, dancing, and face-painting.

Charlie Heathcote, who had come all the way from Leeds, said: "We came along not knowing this was taking place, and were really pleased, the weather has turned out much better than in London too."

Louise Close, chief officer of Skipton Town Council, said: "The council was delighted to partner with Skipton BID to arrange an opportunity for the town to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. The weather was mostly kind, and the day was supported by many visitors. It was lovely to see smiling faces and union jacks proudly waving in the air. Many thanks to everyone involved."

Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID manager added: "The King’s coronation event went exceptionally well it was wonderful to see so many people having fun, we would like to thank everyone who attended and made the day so special. Skipton BID was proud to be working in partnership with Skipton Town Council to deliver this for the residents of Skipton."

Kildwick and Farnhill residents came together for a packed bank holiday weekend of activities which included 77 bellringers 'ringing for the King' in St Andrew's Church - the ancient Kirk.

All of Kildwick was 'en fête' for the coronation – and the air was full of the sound of the church bells, said Chris Wright.

"As the procession wound its way from the palace to the abbey, all 14 of the Kildwick Ringers took their turn to swing our eight bells. Cast in 1914, only twice before have these bells marked a coronation, for George VI and Elizabeth II, though their predecessors from 1780 will have rung out for five monarchs.

"The afternoon was a time for our younger ringers, these four, with an average age of under 14, joined with a couple of older ringers to complete a Quarter Peal for the King. This consists of 1,260 rows of ringing and takes around 50 minutes of concentration and skill.

"These are probably the youngest four ever to achieve this at Kildwick. Alfie laid down a solid foundation as he wove the treble bell to and fro. Angus, ringing his first quarter on a “working bell”, showed excellent concentration while George the conductor kept us all on line. The biggest bell was under the control of the smallest ringer.

"12 year-old Erin showed few signs of distress as she controlled nearly half a ton of bell metal, whirling above her head."

On Sunday, as part of the wider village celebration, the doors of the church were opened for visitors to take part in 'Ring for the King'.

Chris said: "Over a period of some two hours, a total of 77 folk rang one of our bells to mark this historic occasion. The bells were chosen to fit the visitor; smaller bells for smaller ringers – right down to our fully working model for those who couldn’t reach the rope. And so they came, from five years old to 80, to make their mark on this historic occasion. Great churches and grand cathedrals will have rung far cleverer pieces and for longer but, probably, in no tower in the country will more people be able to say, “I rang for the King’s Coronation."

There was also a scarecrow and decorated window trail throughout the weekend, with one entry set up in a bus shelter built just after the 1953 coronation with the remaining monies raised for Kildwick Farnhill celebrations for queen Elizabeth ll.

Down at White Lion Farm the Big Picnic got underway, including a cake competition, sack, egg and spoon and Welly Wanging races brought traditional games for villagers to enjoy, followed by some very competitive Tug of War pulls. Live music from TNG, Sophie Smith and Hit the Lights got everyone dancing the night the night away.

Elsewhere, Skipton wine enthusiasts, The Compagnons du Beaujolais, celebrated with a toast at Ilkley's The Box Tree restaurant in an lunch organised by the group's vice president, Didier Da Costa. Members, who wore traditional uniform for the lunch, meet regularly in Skipton and host events promoting the culture of Beaujolais honouring the traditions of the international order.

On Sunday, Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, joined Friends of Foulridge and Foulridge Parish Council for a lunch in the village hall.

He said: "Well done Friends of Foulridge and Foulridge Parish Council for an outstanding coronation event."

In Upper Wharfedale on Saturday, villagers in Hebden joined in the celebrations with a traditional street party.

Over in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, four-year-old Edith Hudspeth of Selside won the homemade crown competition at the village's Big Lunch.

A delicious buffet was provided by villagers and thanks were expressed to all who organised the event.

Children at the Little Acorns Nursery, Airedale Business Park, Skipton celebrated by dressing up in red, white and blue and taking part in lots of fun coronation activities.

In Martons Both, some villagers set off from The Cross Keys pub at East Marton and walked the two miles to West Marton where they enjoyed a picnic in a field. There was also a toast to King Charles III and facepainting for the children.

On Sunday, there was dancing around the maypole in Long Preston with the added fun of circus skills.

And, on Monday, members of Soroptimist International of Skipton-in-Craven provided an afternoon tea in their Clubroom on Otley Street, for users of the services of Skipton Step into Action.

Skipton Step into Action offers help and support to adults in Skipton and South Craven. Members strengthen the community by connecting individuals through their befriending services, projects and activities and build a sense of pride and belonging, supporting people to live their best life possible.