The show went on, despite wind and rain marring the second annual Keighley Day celebrations at the weekend.

A variety of activities arranged for the town went ahead through the bad weather, attracting residents and visitors from Leeds -- and even Canada.

The festivities, organised by Keighley Town Council, were to mark Keighley being granted town council status on March 19, 2002.

Town Mayor Cllr Nancy Holdsworth hailed the day a success. She said: "The weather was horrendous but apart from that there were still lots of different performances.

"They were all fantastic considering they had to perform through very difficult conditions. And the people who came to watch were great. They stood on in rain and blustery winds to encourage the performers."

Uncle Peter's Punch and Judy magic show, stilt walkers and Keighley Music Centre musicians entertained people in the Airedale Centre.

Performances on a stage outside Keighley Bus Station included music from Guardhouse School choir and Oakbank Pop Stars, dancing by the Silver Stompers, Cougar Kittens and Oakworth Village Morris Men and even karaoke.

Other attractions included town crier Mike Walton giving an opening cry of welcome on stage.

And he could be seen ringing his bell and making announcements in the Airedale Centre.

There were also a variety of stalls set up in Low Street, such as Buddhaland books, Manorlands, Keighley Cougars, toys and a florist, but the strong winds finally meant most of the stalls had to be taken down.

An elderly man was injured when a particularly strong gust of wind dislodged one of the stalls.

He was treated by St John Ambulance officers at the scene but was thought not to have suffered serious injury.

Unfortunately, the wind caused various events organised for Lund Park to be cancelled, including the popular balloon race. But Chris Huggins, of the Lund Park Community Group, said the community spirit remained strong.

She said: "Despite the wind and rain, all the activities planned were ready for the off.

"We'd already started with an excellent display from Keighley Majorettes, but the wind forced us to abandon the events.

"Together we had to struggle to take down all the gazebos and retrieve all the wonderful cakes that Nessfield Junior School had set up on their stall."

But, she said, they were not downhearted.

It is hoped the balloon release will take place on April 3.

The group is already planning the next park event for Easter Sunday, which will include a giant Easter egg hunt. Those wanting to become involved in the plans for Easter Sunday should contact Chris Huggins on 01535 690317 or e-mail chris@hugginshouse.freeserve.co.uk.