WELCOME to Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Schoolchildren, local residents and hundreds of visitors headed to Marsden on Saturday to join in the village’s annual famous festival.

Cuckoo Day is inspired by the story of the Marsden villagers who realised that when the cuckoo arrived so did the spring and sunshine.

They tried to prolong the bird’s stay by building a wall around it.

On Saturday, visitors did bask in rare sunshine while enjoying the musical styles of both the Marsden Junior Band and the Frumptarn Guggen Band.

Children gathered round to see a St George’s Day-inspired street performance from the Bradshaw Mummers while displays of colourful cuckoos were marched through the village by local schoolchildren.

Other performances included Spiral Dancers Maypole Team and Sisters in Arms.

At 3pm, the entertainers and schools joined for a procession through the village, led by a giant handmade cuckoo.

Jolly and Aly Humphrey moved to Marsden a couple of months ago. They said they were inspired to make the move from Birkby because of traditions like Cuckoo Day and the Jazz Festival.

Aly said: “We were a little bemused at first, but it is wonderful.

“It is a nice way to bring in spring and it has stayed dry all day.

“We had been to the jazz festival in Marsden and we loved it – there is such a lovely feel to the village.

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