A CELEBRATION of the Westmorland Damson tree with its plum-like fruits and frothy white blossom drew its largest crowds for years.

Organisers have hailed Damson Day 2019 "a huge success" with visitors flocking to Low Farm in the Lyth Valley to enjoy damson cream teas, orchard walks, traditional crafts, fairground rides, live music and Damson Royale cocktails courtesy of the Friends of Crosthwaite School.

Special thanks were given to John Holmes MBE, who has retired as chairman of Westmorland Damson Association after organising Damson Day for many years.

Mr Holmes said he was "completely surprised, delighted and honoured" to be mentioned in this year's Honours List for services to the community in Cumbria, and he paid tribute to his wife Caroline's help.

Along with abundant charity work, he is chair of trustees for the Bendrigg Trust, a Crosthwaite School governor, a district councillor and founder of the Lyth Valley's first responder team.

Simon Patterson, the damson association's vice-chairman, this year took on the role of organising Damson Day. He said: "I can’t thank the thousands of visitors, stall holders, caterers and volunteers enough for making the day such a success.

"A really wonderful atmosphere - I look forward to next year already."

Attractions also included stalls of damson wine, gin, beer, ice cream, chutney, jams and pies; pet dog competitions; and children's entertainment.

Families and visitors travelled from all over the country and abroad to enjoy slapstick comedy and circus performers, live music from the Jim Bean band and Lakeland Fiddlers, Yan Tan Taiko Drummers, Punch and Judy shows, dog agility displays and pet dog competitions, rare breed livestock and alpacas, a traditional fairground and children’s entertainment run by the Friends of Crosthwaite School.

Traditional craft demonstrations included weaving, dry stone walling, and creative sewing.

Westmorland Damson Association member Jodie Quigg said: "We feel extremely proud of how this very traditional local fair attracts people from all over the country, and which both supports our community and celebrates our local natural heritage."

Until the Second World War, Damson Saturday in October saw Kendal full of carts selling native Westmorland damsons in the streets.

Up to 80 cartloads at a time were loaded, destined for Lancashire's jam factories.

Sadly, the later part of the 20th century saw a slow decline in fruit production, with reduced demand and orchards neglected. However, local people came together to form the Westmorland Damson Association, with the aim of restoring the orchards by making damson cultivation worthwhile once more, and to restore the traditional landscape with its unique damson blossom.

For more, see www.damsonday.co.uk