Even a torrential downpour could not dampen spirits as hundreds of people jammed into Windermere's narrow town centre streets to cheer on the festival's spectacular float parade last Saturday

More than 20 floats left the town's social club led by the Kendalian Drum Majorettes and festival princess Leanne Wallace, ten, with her attendants, Natasha Park, nine, and Kate Sykes, seven.

Windermere resident Amy Little, 12, yelled loudest when the Holehird Cheshire Home float went past dressed as Snow White and the Seven Dwarf.

"These are my favourite", she cheered, and leapt up and down with excitement when some of the characters waved back at her.

Heathwaite football club attracted a lot of attention with their 2001 Space Odyssey costumes, and the Round Table came well prepared for all conditions dressed as canoeists and rock climbers.

The pantomime season had definitely started early for the Windermere Players who showed off some of their colourful costumes, and the hockey stick wielding children from Windermere Hockey Minis struck fear into the heart of the toughest sportsman.

Sponsor of the Festival Princess and owner of the Ship Inn, Ian Wilson, told the Gazette: "Everyone connected with the event is delighted by the number of people who have turned up.

It really makes it a marvelous occasion."

The huge crowd followed the Red Rose brass band to The Glebe for the judging of the floats which was won by Windermere Kids Club who dressed as characters from Peter Pan.

Round up...

Jazz bands, fancy dress and float parades have been the norm in Windermere for the last two weeks as the residents celebrated the success of their extended festival.

A firework display at The Glebe at sunset tomorrow (Saturday) will bring the event to a spectacular climax, and already the organisers are calling this the most successful festival yet.

Event co-coordinator Bill Smith told the Gazette of his delight with how well everything had gone.

"We couldn't have asked for a more spectacular start than the two memorable aerial displays.

To see the RAF Falcons parachute team jump from more than 7,000ft and land in close formation on the putting green at the Glebe was truly amazing.

And of course The Red Arrows air team were fantastic and thrilled everyone, and we managed to keep this excitement going for the whole two weeks."

"There was definitely something for everyone", said Mr Smith.

"The music of Jazz band 'Yarl River' has put a swing in all our steps this week, and our aim of putting a smile back on people's faces has definitely succeeded."

The Durham County Youth Big Band pulled in the crowds with their Glenn Miller tribute, and Off the Record proved extremely popular with their Music from the 60s rendition.

The usually one week event had been specially extended this year to two weeks with the Lions, Rotary and Round Table all involved in the organisation.

Sponsorship means that the organisers have already raised more than £3,000 for local charities from the festival, and expect this total to increase significantly by the end of the event.

Mr Smith added: "All the money raised will go to local charities and the community.

We also hope we have brought some business in to the village.

The last two weeks have really shown how the Windermere community are pulling together."