THE rain failed to dampen the spirits of traders and visitors at this year's Colne Food Festival.

An array of culinary delights were on offer to tantalise the taste buds while music and fairground rides provided the entertainment.

Guests could enjoy performances from the Barnoldswick Brass Band, Ceilidh and folk band Frolicking Pete and the Fumbling Fingers, blues star Tom Attah and the Suco Suco Samba band.

Meanwhile crafts were on offer at the library and The Toy Emporium while kids could get their faces painted for free.

Despite fears the event, which was held in the town centre, would be called off due to the early morning downpours, the 'Colne grit' ensured it went ahead with visitors praising the town's sense of community.

Stall holder Mark Whitehead, owner of White Heat Wood Fired Pizza, said: "The weather has not been with us but it is lovely thing and it is for the people of Colne.

"I am a local businessman based in Foulridge and I think it is a lovely thing. Colne Town Council should get a pat on the back.

"They were thinking of cancelling it but with a bit of Colne grit it was fine.

"It is lovely to see so many local producers here."

Rizwana Sahraouei, 37, owner of Riz's Cake, was selling a range of cupcakes.

She said: "Obviously we can't help the weather but we have been in this predicament many times and we have still done very well.

"We always come home with empty boxes. The community really supports it."

Visitor Margaret Blackhurst, who lives in town, had bought some cheese from the Kick Ass Cheese stall.

She said: "We try and support the local festival, although it might have been better to have it at the same time as the gala to attract more people.

"The cheese is scrummy. He always has a good range.

"It has been good fun walking around and it is nice that people try to make an effort. We want to support Colne. It is a good little community."

Shaun McCamon, 29, who was tucking into a samosa while enjoying a day out with family, said: "It has been a great day so far.

"We came last year and it was a bit sunnier then. I like the atmosphere and the people. We get people from all over coming to it."

His niece Tia, 10, added she was looked forward to having a go on the waltzes.

Paula Pilling, of The Fudge Factory, based in Whitworth, said some of the most popular fudges had been Oreo and salted caramel.

She said: "The weather was horrendous this morning. We did not think we would carry on but the sun is starting to shine and people are starting to come out."

Visitor Kerry Gregory, 30, said: "They do put a real effort into it and the brass band creates a nice atmosphere."

Naomi Crewe, Colne Town Council events manager, said: "The weather never puts people off in Colne!"