A PACKED Skipton High Street on Saturday greeted a procession of bands, floats, classic cars and gymnasts for the town's sun-soaked gala.

As temperatures soared in the town centre, adults and children threw sweets at the crowds from gaily-decorated floats or from walking groups as the procession made it's way from the start in Westmoreland Street up the High Street and along Gargrave Road to the gala field at Aireville Park.

Heading the procession was the Jamba Samba community drumming band, closely followed by floats, gymnasts, majorettes and classic and vintage cars and vehicles.

Those taking part in the procession also included Skipton Fire Station and Skipton Auto Services, with a vintage car, as well as Skipton and District National Childbirth Trust, and Moorview Social Club.

Others included Skipton Parish CoE School, with pupils re-creating the coronation of King Charles III and even Skipton Town Council, which supported the event with road closures, took part in the procession with chief officer, Louise Close driving the council's 'green machine'.

People came out from shops to watch the procession, or from the crowded pubs and cafes.

Will Templar, who had brought his family along to the gala, said it was good to see a traditional event.

"We were here last weekend for the car show, which was great; this is quite different, a really traditional day and just as busy, which must be fantastic for the town. The weather has been spot on too; which of course makes everyone happy; its just what we need after the last few years of Covid."

Another visitor, Susan Clarke, also there with her family, said they had come to Skipton not knowing the gala was taking place.

"Its been smashing seeing all the excited faces and having the sweets thrown from the floats was lovely; we wondered why the town seemed so busy, and now we know. Its been a really lovely day."

Following the crowning of the gala queen, Megan Davies, there was a performance by the Silsden All Stars Majorettes, the Craven Gymnastics club and singing by the Yorkshire Voices community Choir.

Over at Waddington's funfair, families queued for ice-cream and burgers as the entertainment continued and the temperature soared. There was a variety of stalls on the gala field, face-painting and sumo-wrestling.

Geoff Dunn, chairman of the gala committee, thanked all those who attended the event and all those who supported it.

"The procession was fantastic, everybody made a great effort and it was one of the best for years. Also, the crowds in the town really made it a spectacular day, the atmosphere was amazing.

"To all the people who entertained us on the field, you were all outstanding. And, to all the local companies who sponsored us and gave up their time, we could not have done it without you.

"We hope everyone can join us again next year, on June 8."

Rombalds Radio presenter Stuart Clarkson, who was compere for the afternoon, told the Herald: “I was delighted to be asked back to oversee the crowning of the Skipton Gala Queen again this year.

"We were very lucky with the beautiful weather, and it was fantastic to have so many people there to support the event. Well done to Michelle and her team for organising a brilliant afternoon of entertainment - we hope to be a part of it again next year.”

One visitor to the town posted on Skipton Gala's Facebook page: "We visited for the weekend from Oldham, had no idea the gala was on. Had front row seats from our bedroom at The Coach House; it was a great parade, the town was so busy with a fabulous atmosphere, all the planning paid off we really enjoyed the day, we will be back next year."

Those taking part in the procession, or who had a stall on the gala field included: Embsay with Eastby Preschool Playgroup; Avalon Wellbeing, Broughton Hall; Skipton and District NCT ; Unique Cheer and Dance; Craven Gymnastics Club; Xtreme Cheer And Dance; Sheldon’s School Of Performing; Colne Gala; Silsden Gala Team; Skipton Juniors Football Club; Christ Church Skipton; Silsden All Stars Majorettes; Jamba community samba band; Voices Of Yorkshire; 3rd Skipton Scout Group; Belvoir Lettings, Moorview Social Club; Oakley's Grill and Pizzeria; Sweet Mama Bakes; Soft Tots; Aireworth Dogs in Need, Confettii Girls; Skipton Auto Services.

The next big event in Skipton will be Sheep Day on Sunday, June 23.