FIREWORKS soared high above The Glebe, at Bowness, as residents and guests celebrated the climax of the two week-long Windermere Festival.

Twenty-five boats took part in the water-parade which preceded the fireworks finale, then moored en masse in Bowness Bay to watch the display.

Event organiser Bill Smith told the Gazette that he was thrilled by how well the event had been supported: 'There were more than 2,500 people gathered at The Glebe for the firework spectacular, and we are well on our way to raising our best total ever.' Mr Smith added that every penny would go to local charities.

The churches at Bowness and Windermere played a major part in the charity fund-raising throughout the event.

Many were decked out with flower displays, and on the final day every pew in St Martin's Church, Bowness, was full when Flookburgh Brass Band performed its Music throughout the Ages.

Resident Alice Greenbank, 52, said that she had thoroughly enjoyed the evening: 'The band played everything from classical to movie themes.

There was something for everyone.'

Despite the poor weather, the festival was deemed a success by all involved.

Mr Smith said that everything had gone very smoothly: 'There was no trouble of any kind.

The whole town got behind the festival, and showed the community spirit that makes Windermere such a special place.'