MIXED weather did not stop the second Shepley Spring Festival being a stunning success.

Hundreds of people attended the three-day music and dance festival, on land off Marsh Lane, at the weekend.

There was an array of folk music acts in a special concert tent, ceilidh dancing in the dance tent, street performances in the central arena and circus skills and entertainment at the children’s festival.

A host of special events were held in Shepley village.

There was also a climbing wall, various food stalls and a beer tent.

And there was a special visit from La Brianzola music and dance group, from Shepley’s unofficial twin village Olgiate Molgora in Italy.

Festival director James McKinlay said: “It has been cracking.

“We had enough marquees so that when the rain came on Saturday we moved everyone inside.

“But the sunshine on Sunday brought all the locals out. Sales of tickets for the whole weekend were up 40% on last year, and that doesn’t include tickets for the individual concerts and day tickets.

“The president of Folk Arts England was here and he said the only problems we would have would be caused by our own success.”

James Hepworth, of Fenay Bridge, took his children Jack, five, and Sophie, seven, to the festival on Saturday.

He said: “The weather hasn’t been great, but when it’s rained people have just gone inside – we’re British so if we let the weather stop us doing things we’d never get outside!

“I’ve really enjoyed the music and there has been lots to do for the kids, so they haven’t got bored.

“It’s got a really nice community feel.”

Pat and Len O’Brien, of Kirkburton, went to watch the opening concert on Friday evening.

Pat said: “We weren’t planning to come down again, but we enjoyed Friday so much we thought we’d come back for the Saturday.

“It’s really well organised and there’s lots to do and there’s not really anything else like it in this area on this scale.”

Len added: “Some of the music has been wonderful and everybody has got involved. Everyone’s got a smile on their face, even if the weather has been a bit predictable.”