ULVERSTON'S Dickensian Festival saw hundreds of people getting in to the spirit of the festive fair.

The 14th Victorian-themed event took over the town at the weekend with locals and visitors dressing up in period costume for the occasion.

There was street theatre at the Lloyds TSB Corner stage, a variety of stalls, a mini-fairground and old-fashioned entertainment such as a coconut shy and vintage mini-train, plus music from folk to brass bands.

Mother and daughter Janet Benefield and Rachael Weaver, who run Two by Two in Market Street, caught the eye in their vintage dresses. "It's such a happy and jolly event,” said Mrs Benefield.

“It makes people smile. No matter what the weather people always come along and get involved. There's a great spirit."

Mrs Weaver added: "Everybody gets together and it's a great community effort. People love to get dressed up as well."

Tom Deaville had travelled up from Sheffield especially for the festival and dressed up in old-fashioned military regalia along with his pal Terry Ridal, of Swarthmoor.

Mr Deaville said: "I love the atmosphere of the event, which is one of the reasons I like to come along. It is a great preparation for Christmas. There are also some very good beers on offer in the town's pubs."

Luke Kafanke, of Swarthmoor, brought his daughter Savannah to enjoy the spectacle. He said: "It's a really good event for Ulverston. It brings a lot of people to the town."

Street performer Ambrosias Gripenerve helped to keep people entertained. "There are a lot of people around," he said.

"It's a really good weekend."

Town mayor Brenda Marr, who was one of those in period costume, led the grand parade. She said: “It was very well organised as usual by the team and the volunteers and it was great to see so many people out enjoying themselves.

“It is a great advertisement for the town and I had many people coming up to me to say they had never been to Ulverston before but that they would be returning because they had no idea how much the town had to offer.”