The sun came out – eventually – as Colne Valley residents marked the onset of spring at the annual Cuckoo Day festival.
Hundreds of visitors turned out to take part in a packed day of activities and join in the grand cuckoo procession.
Marsden hosted the festivities for the 22nd year, a tradition that was established to commemorate a local legend.
It states that upon discovering the first cuckoo of the year spring has begun.
Marsdeners began to celebrate the event in the hope that good weather would come.
This year’s festival had more dance acts than ever before.
Groups such as the Spiral Dancers and the Marsden Belly Dancers took over central areas such as Argyle Street, Peel Street and Marsden Park on the main event day on Saturday.
Music came from the famous Frumptarn Guggen Band, Marsden Junior Band and the Mucky Pups Ukelele Band while entertainment was provided by Bradshaw Mummers Theatre and choirs from the village’s infant and junior schools.
A karate demonstration was put on by local youngsters and revellers enjoyed donkey rides, vintage engines and vehicles, crafts and stalls in the run up to the festival’s main event – the grand cuckoo procession.
Festivities continued into the evening with the Mellor Bridge duck race and live rock bands at the United Church.
Cuckoo Day spokesman, Mark Tiffany, said: “On behalf of the Cuckoo Day Organisers can I just say a big thanks to everyone involved in the day yesterday.
“The weather shone on us and everyone really got involved.
“These events rely on goodwill and there was more than enough around on Saturday.”
