PEOPLE thronged the streets of Marsden at the weekend for the annual Cuckoo Day celebrations.
Legend has it that many years ago the people of Marsden were aware that when the cuckoo arrived so did the spring.
They tried to prolong the bird’s stay by building a wall around it.
But, unfortunately the wall wasn’t high enough and the bird flew away!
Cuckoo Day – now in its 17th year – included dozens of events across the village.
On Saturday afternoon people gathered on Peel Street for the Grand Cuckoo Procession led by the Marsden Silver Prize Band.
They were joined by Marsden-based morris dancing group The Thievin’ Magpies.
Group member Kerry Russell, from Cleckheaton, said: “It was a very bright and energetic parade and we really enjoyed it. But I was a bit hot in my magpie costume.”
Also on Saturday, there was clog dancing, pony rides and maypole dancing, as well as a Punch and Judy show outside Marsden Mechanics Hall.
The hall also hosted face-painting, belly dancing and a karate display on Saturday.
Marsden Junior Band played outside the nearby United Church, performing tunes including Ilkley Moor Baht ‘At.
Conductor Brian Boothroyd said: “It was a very good, enjoyable performance. There were people there from all over, including a lot from the other side of the Pennines.”
Nearby Marsden United Church hosted a performance by Unity Voices while James Harker performed an organ recital at St Bartholomew’s Church.
The fun continued into the evening with live music from Harry Rowland at the New Inn on Manchester Road.
On Friday evening there was a Catch the Cuckoo Walk for two miles from Marsden Mechanics Hall. Peter Armitage, father of acclaimed valley poet Simon, explained the history of Cuckoo Day to walkers.
