SPIRITS were high in Kendal on Monday as hundreds turned out to the Beast Banks Diamond Jubilee festivities.

Music, maypole dancing, face painting and a bouncy castle filled the green outside the Rifleman’s Arms pub, and queues for the BBQ and candyfloss were lengthy.

Children also sat down to a tea party, where they were treated to many Jubilee-related foods including red, white and blue cupcakes.

Marylin Molloy said: “The event has had sponsorship from the town council, and we are raising money for the Rainbow Trust and Cancer Care, through charging for some of the activities.

“Everyone has brought some food for themselves and to share and I think it’s excellent how many people have got involved.

“It’s a wonderful community space and we wanted to make sure we use it well. But it’s important that people remember we are here to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.”

Samantha Bainbridge, who was enjoying the music and sunshine with her two daughters, also said she was struck by the number of people present on the green.

She said: “I came because I live nearby, but am surprised by how many others there are.

“There is a lot going on and it’s great for the kids - we should all do things like this more often.”