MUDDY fields were not enough to stop around a thousand people to come along and attend an annual gala which ‘brought all the community together’.

The 52nd Darwen Gala took place on Saturday featuring a variety of stalls and activities.

Although not as severe as last year’s event, the crowds again had to contend with rain and bad weather conditions.

The event kicked off with a parade of floats from the Anchor Football Ground from local charities, organisations and sports teams.

The route went through the town centre before arriving at the main site for the gala adjacent to Bold Venture Park.

Eve Bolan from the gala committee said: “It’s been really really good.

“It’s a shame about the weather but it was worse last year, it was horizontal.

“But that doesn’t stop the Darreners coming out in the rain.

“The best thing about this is it just brings Darreners together as a community.

“We want to make Darwen a great place to live, work and play.”

On the field, there was a variety of activities going on, featuring horses and the start of the Catherine Dowdall Memorial Fell Race and Fun Run.

Phoenix Night’s star Steve Royle was on hand to provide some laughter as he hosted proceedings.

For the first time in many years the gala hosted also held ‘The Great Darren Bake Off’, where the contestants baked their best traditional scones and Victoria sponges.

Pipe bands and cheer groups also performed to keep guests happy.

Father-of-two Paul McKay, 45, said: “I live quite locally and it’s just a nice event, there’s plenty on offer for the kids to do.

“Everyone has put a lot of effort in to the day, it’s a bit of a shame about the weather. It just brings the community together.”

Darwen Town Council Mayor Cllr Roy Davies said: “It was great to see so many people come out and support.

“It was a bit muddy underfoot but all the stall holders did very well I believe.

“Everyone enjoyed themselves and even more people turned out than I thought.”