THOUSANDS turned out for some festive fun in Kirkby Lonsdale last weekend, drawn out into the inclement weather by the enticing smells of chestnuts and dumplings.

The town’s Market Square was transformed into a miniature village, with an array of different ‘chalets’ packed-out with food, gifts and other delights.

Nearby Lunesdale Hall hosted another Christmas market, offering-up artisan products including wooden dolls’ houses, knitted bobble-hat earrings and feather wreaths.

The stalls and wandering Christmas crackers which washed the town with colour were joined by a feast of music, with the high-notes of hymns, the booming of drums and the twang of ukuleles filling the air.

Santa also made an appearance, parading down the high street on Saturday and Sunday, accompanied by townsfolk including local nursery children and the Kirkby Lonsdale netball team.

Tourism and town manager Janet Nutall said: “The Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair was a great example of a whole town working together to create something special for both locals and visitors.Weather certainly didn’t dampen spirits at this traditional family celebration of Christmas.”

After the parades St. Nick retired to his grotto in the ginnel by The Book Lounge. Families made crafts and children had their faces painted as the party continued in the square. By evening on Sunday the chalets had disappeared, leaving behind memories of a magical Cumbrian weekend.