LIFE was definitely 'groovy' once again in Rossendale as the valley's hipsters spun back in time to the Sixties for another successful weekend of flower power fun.

The Rossendale Sixties Festival, now in its fourth year, was established by Barry Hyde, the event's chairman, Carl Bell, who is also managing director of The Whitaker group, and Peter Sweetmore, now secretary.

Mr Sweetmore, who entertained shoppers outside Tesco Rawtenstall on Saturday, under his 'Soundmeister' guise, said: "It's been absolutely brilliant this year.

"We've had more events in more locations and it's growing with every festival. An unusual contribution this year has been the Baby Boogie, at The Boo, in Waterfoot, which introduces Sixties music to toddlers, with all of the psychedelic light shows alongside it.

"This year the scooter festival has moved to Bacup Cricket Club, and I know they were expecting around 500 riders up there, to see a top ska band, The Inciders, and the Northern Soul DJ Kieron (corr) Woodward and The Crown has joined us with its own musical offering."

He also commended several town centre traders and charity shops in Rawtenstall for taking part in their window-dressing competition.

Elsewhere The Whitaker promoted 'Whitstock', encouraging hundreds to assemble in their courtyard to hear the likes of Soul Revolution and The Threetles, with clowns and traditional children's games, in the shadow of the Rawtenstall museum.

And Artisan, with ex-Animal and The Troggs star Chris Allen, and Buffer Stops, on the East Lancashire Railway, also weighed in with hip-tastic open mic sessions and packed bills on the same theme.

One young mum, Dinah Ramsey, who was visiting family in the valley with children Jack and Lucy, said: "It's something we look forward to every year when we come to Rossendale. There's something for everyone."

On Sunday The Whitaker hosted an eye-opening Clog Market, boasting a range of vintage and handmade wares, with a similar affair at Artisan, before Californian artist David Segall Courtenay kicking off his European tour there with some Sixties covers.

An official launch was held at the museum on Friday with children from the Wonderful Whitaker project, who had been coached by valley opera star Sean Ruane, kicking off proceedings.