A COLOURFUL procession of floats and fancy dress took place yesterday for the annual Silsden Gala.

The procession, which featured a number of people in fancy dress, started in Howden Road at around midday, before heading through the village along Howden Road, Kirkgate, Bolton Road and Dale View, before finishing in Silsden Park.

Once in the park, there was all sorts of events taking place, including the judging of the fancy dress, a tug of war competition, live music and entertainment, including a performance form Silsden Majorettes, a dog show, children’s entertainers, and a variety of stalls.

Skipton Gala won the best gala queen float, while the Red Lion pub won best general float.

A combined churches group won best walking group for their Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat creation, and best fancy dress went to Sammy Newton, dressed as Superwoman.

Duncan Turner, gala organiser, said: “It went very well, and was very well-attended, with lots of great fancy dress.

"It was probably as well attended as it was last year. The weather held until we were packing away.

"It was a good procession this time -- we were very happy with it. The committee would like to say thank you to all those who set up and took things down and helped on the day."

The gala for categories for its possession competitions – best general float, gala queen float, walking group and fancy dress, which will be judged in under-eight, eight-to-16 and mixed group sections.

Entry to the gala field was held at £1, despite greatly increased costs to stage the event.

The event was supported by Marshall’s funfair and sponsors, including Danny Clarke and Destination Travel with Jet2 Holidays.