CARNFORTH held its first ever street festival on Saturday.

Despite the damp weather, thousands turned out to sample the town’s great food, browse quality crafts and gifts and be entertained.

The food came from around the world including America, Jamaica, Italy, Spain, Scotland and England.

Crafts stalls included handmade jewellery, candles, wood-turned ornaments and gadgets, designer flowers and even vegan bath bombs.

The well-attended event had an incredible atmosphere with everyone having a great time enjoying what was on offer, including the performers who entertained the crowds from start to finish.

Speaking on behalf of Carnforth Town Council, which led the event, Cllr Steve Watson said: “After the last 18 months where everyone has faced many challenges, the council was on a mission to deliver to welcome everyone back into our town and support our local businesses with a fab event with something for everyone.

“We faced many obstacles including meticulously planning a way to fit vendors into Market Street and Ashtrees Way, some having to withdraw at a late stage, and the Great British weather.

"But from the overwhelmingly positive feedback that we have received, I think we can safely say ‘mission accomplished'.

“We will now take stock, review the feedback and see where we go from here.”

During the event, one visitor, Julie Longs said: “My husband and I are having a great time here.

“We haven’t been to a street festival in many years, but this has the perfect feel and atmosphere for one.

“We certainly hope they bring it back next year.

“We’ve just been over to the station pub which had some great service and then we came out here for a bit of food.

“It’s got everything you need out here.”

Another visitor Godfrey Pennington said: “We thought it was a fantastic street festival.

“We’re having a really great time of it.

“They should have done something like this years ago.

“Certainly hope they do more in future.”

More than 40 stalls were in attendance throughout the festival, which required the temporary closure of Market Street to road traffic, with diversions in place via New Street and Haws Hill.

Local businesses benefited greatly from the event which attracted hundreds of potential customers to their doorstep.

Many have called for the festival to return again in the future thanks to its overwhelming success over the weekend.