A PARTY atmosphere gripped Ulverston as sun-kissed revellers turned out in their thousands to commemorate the birth of their most famous son.

More than 100 live performances were staged across the town over the weekend to mark the birthday of Stan Laurel, who was born in 1890

The town was packed to the rafters and pubs spilled out onto its cobbled streets for Another Fine Fest, now established as one of the firm favourites on Ulverston's burgeoning festival calendar.

Co-organiser Dave Crossley said last year 10,000 people visited but expected those numbers to have 'gone through the roof this year'.

"It's pretty impossible to give a highlight as there were so many," he said. "Just to see so many happy people come together as a community especially against a backdrop of such uncertain and unsettled times was a truly beautiful thing to see and I can't wait to do it all over again."

Venues opened their doors for local musicians to play, the Laurel and Hardy Museum hosted comedians to test out material and street were filled live street art, window painting and yarn-bombers.

There was even a group of people dancing with a sea of bananas made out of papier-mâché.

"We were obviously very lucky with the weather which without doubt made a difference but I think that was deserved after some of the previous instalments being slightly moist and overcast," added Mr Crossley.

"It certainly helped to spread the joy and bring a few more folk out to enjoy the proceedings."

He said the growth of the festival over four years was 'crazy and hugely overwhelming'.

"I think we have grown it in the right way, never overstretching ourselves and slowly adding new elements and days each year," he said.

"We ran a massive marketing campaign this year and extended the promotion beyond the North West which obviously helped as people literally came from all over to enjoy the weekend."

He added work begins on next year's festival this week as he heads to Glastonbury festival in Somerset to 'keep his eyes and ears open for talent'.