THE second annual Golcar Lily Day proved to be even bigger and better than last year.

Hundreds of families turned out to the event as organisers promised much bigger celebrations this time around, with events taking place from Friday through to Sunday.

And even though they may have had a pretty grim start to the main day on Saturday with a downpour in the morning, the sun soon shone and the streets were packed with people keen to try out the many activities on offer.

Two popular characters at the Colne Valley Museum, Grandad, played by Ronald Ellis, and Aunt Lizzie, played by Sheila Osborne, arrived by horse-drawn carriage to start the celebrations.

It was clear to see that the event was very much centred around families, with venues such as Golcar Library and Colne Valley museum packed with eager young children.

At the library, many queued up to get their face painted, while in the room next door toddlers sat captivated by the story-telling.

Elaine Lonsdale, one of the organisers, said: “I think one of the best things is the vast range of fun activities we have for children. Some of these kids, even though they may live in Golcar, had never been to the library and museum, and here they were enjoying every minute of it.”

Possibly one of the most popular stalls was in the museum where Golcar Lily Loaf was being made.

Women, dressed in traditional costumes, were hard at work making fresh bread by hand. Such was the demand, they had to introduce bread rationing, to just one loaf per customer.

Jane Lee, one of the bread makers, said: “We started baking at 8.30am.

Rationing had to be brought in – it’s the only way to be fair!”

There was also maypole dancing, circus activities from Huddersfield-based Kaotik Arts, morris dancing and brass bands performing throughout the day.

All five churches in Golcar opened their doors, and put on a number of events.

St John’s Church, was packed for performances by the Colne Valley Voice Choir and the New Orleans Wiggle.

Ms Lonsdale added: “The whole community has really pulled together to make this day a success and we really couldn’t have asked for it to be any better. I reckon the number of people turning up has doubled in size from last year and this is only our second event. It really is overwhelming.”