POOR weather failed to dampen spirits when Golcar celebrated its seventh annual Lily Day.
Families from the village and beyond flocked to take part in the fun festivities on Saturday.
This year’s event opened in style with the festival’s first-ever procession through the village.
Villagers left their homes and shopkeepers downed tools to join the throng of people lining the streets to cheer participants on their way.
Smoke billowed from a steam roller as it chugged and tooted along followed by some tractors.
A team from the Stockport Morris Dancers were next showing off their performance skills, while costumed stilt walkers entertained the crowds.
The new procession got a big thumbs up from the families who had gathered to watch.
Josie Mills, from Longwood, said: “My son Jody is four and really loves tractors and steam rollers so this was a real treat for him.
“I quite like Morris dancers and it’s lovely to see all the traditions like this and brass bands being kept alive.
“There’s a lovely atmosphere and you can tell that everyone has made a real effort.”
Josie’s husband Dave said that he had only heard about the festival for the first time the night before when a friend mentioned it to him in the pub.
He said: “Longwood doesn’t really have a village centre so it’s nice that they have something like this here.
“You have to support events like these otherwise they are going to stop doing them.”
Anne-Marie Draycroft, from Golcar, was also at the event for the first time with her three-year-old son Rory.
She said: “I moved here two years ago and this is the first chance I’ve had to come.
“It’s a shame about the weather but it’s been lovely to come and watch.”
Performers from Golcar Band, Marsden Band, Huddersfield Wind Band, Slaithwaite Band and Grange Moor Band were on hand to provide music throughout the day.
Other highlights included tours by Golcar Brewery, a guided ginnel walk, storytelling in Golcar Library and craft workshops in the Scout and Community Centre.
Stalls along the bunting-lined streets offered something for everyone but a planned fly-past by a Dakota plane had to be cancelled because of the weather.
Festival organiser Sue Starr said: “Everybody turned out and when it got wet there were lots of things for them to do indoors.
“We’ve never had a procession through the village before, it went really well and hopefully we will do it again next year.
“It’s such a fun festival and we all enjoy each other’s company.
“Everyone works extremely hard for this, they put in eight months of solid work to raise the funds.
“It’s lovely to see all the groups and local shops getting involved and it’s stunning what people will do to help out.”
