THUNDER, lightning and torrential downpours failed to dampen spirits during Barnoldswick's tenth Bands On The Square over the Bank Holiday weekend. Thousands of people attended the free-entry festival to hear 31 bands on the town square stage.

"There was a fantastic buzz all weekend," said David Whipp, one of the festival organisers, "The square was packed both Friday and Saturday, but numbers were down on Sunday because of the rain.

"Special visitors included horses from Lancashire Constabulary, but the crowd was fantastic and well-behaved.

"On behalf of the BOTS team, I'd like to thank everyone for attending, residents and businesses who put up with us for the duration, all the performers, volunteers, staff, suppliers and contractors who helped stage this year's event.

"Virtually all the suppliers are local concerns and they all do a cracking job.

"A 'thank you' too to Hope Tech who printed banners, Harrison Engineering who kindly loaned fencing, CTH Fabrication and KB Tyres."

Bands On The Square is part of Barnoldswick Town Council's programme of monthly events. Town Criers will be filling the Town Square with sound on June 29.