A fine-feathered legend has been revived.
Hundreds of people filled Marsden village centre on Saturday to celebrate the 24th annual Cuckoo Day.
Everyone was in good spirits despite the grey skies when musicians and dancers brought the streets to life with their colourful costumes and vibrant performances.
The event was held to commemorate the story of villagers’ failed attempt to entrap the bird, whose presence was said to signify the start of spring.
According to folklore, the cuckoo escaped from the villagers, who tried to build a tower around it to keep the good weather.
The highlight of the day was the appearance of the giant cuckoo, who was ‘wheeled out’ for a grand procession in the afternoon.
Made by Angela Boycott-Garnett, it toured around the village, flanked by Marsden’s Thieving Magpies morris group and brass bands, whose stirring music added a light-hearted grandeur to the event.
Nathandrial the Marsden giant even joined in the parade, his third appearance since 2014.
Tap and belly dancers, the Spiral Dancers Maypole Team and the Frumptam Guggen Band were amongst those who entertained festival goers throughout the afternoon.
A duck race was held later on, which was organised by the Marsden Moor National Trust.
Celebrations were also held on Friday, when a special Black Joak folk night was held at the Royal British Legion.
Talking about the event, Sharon Turner, one of the voluntary Cuckoo Day committee members, said: “It’s gone really well.
“We think up to 1,000 people came along to see the procession.
“It goes all over the village and it was great to see a giant cuckoo stop traffic on the A62.
“Twenty volunteers helped with the procession and we’d like to give big thanks to everyone who helped with the day.
“Next year will be our 25th anniversary so we will be hosting lots more events before the day.”
The Thieving Magpies were responsible for organising the dance acts.
“It’s been an excellent event,” said Michael Kennedy, one of the Magpies.
“It’s good to keep the tradition alive for younger people and it’s been another great day, second only to Imbolc festival.”
