Thousands braved the rain on Sunday afternoon to turn out for the Burnley Canal Festival.

The free event at Finsley Gate Wharf on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal attracted families across the town who were treated to a range of free activities.

Highlights included a meet and greet with the ‘Giant’ and his mate Jack, a moving flower display, a sky full of magical bubbles and a dance performance by the Wallopers.

There was also a quest on offer from the Towpath Explorers, while a range of musical entertainment was put on with a diverse line-up, from Bhangra to folk and blues.

The wharf, at the junction of Parliament Street and Hollingreave Road, was also packed full of unique stalls selling arts and crafts while visitors could also learn about textiles in the Makers Market.

Behind the Finsley Gate Wharf pub, there were food stalls including freshly baked pizza, a BBQ, and an ice cream van.

Organisers estimated around 2,000 people had visited by 1pm, with the event lasting from 11am until 5pm.

Lee Shepherd, owner of Finsley Gate Wharf, said: “The artists and the support from all the other stallholders has been great as always and having the Kennet here is a bonus as well.

“At the moment we’ve had a half an hour shower – we’d rather it be cracking the flags like last year but you can’t have it every year.

“The turnout has been good, we’re probably at about 1,800 to 2,000 and we normally get 5-6,000 a year.

“Whether people come or not you’ve got to make the effort to put something on and as it’s a free community event it’s worth it.

“We’ve got walking giants this year, we’ve got balloon artists, various musicians and bands, clog dancers, there’s different things on this year compared to last year.”