SALTAIRE Festival kicked off in style over the weekend with visitors flocking to various sites around the village for a “great spread” of family events.

The opening weekend of the festival, which runs until next Sunday, featured art, theatre, dancing, singing, and a range of displays and exhibitions.

Jenny McDonough, one of the festival organisers, said the programme had been designed to offer “something for everyone.”

“We’ve had very positive feedback so far, and there has been a lot more children and families here than last year, which we’re pleased about,” she said.

“We’ve had people from all over the country here, but also lots of locals too, which is nice to see. This great spread of events has started the festival off in a good way, leading up to next weekend, when there will be thousands of people here.”

One of the highlights was a special Saltaire Makers’ Fair in Victoria Hall, featuring 45 exhibitors of jewellery, textiles, prints, furniture and sculptures, organised by Saltaire Inspired.

The group’s chair, June Russell, said: “There is some really high-quality art and design here, some fabulous stuff.”

“Some of these artists are going to the Manchester Contemporary Craft Fair in October, so we’re lucky to get them first, it’s a real coup.

“There’s a really wide range of exhibits, and people love the fact that it’s different and quirky.

“We’ve had people getting their Christmas presents early, saying they just don’t see stuff like this in the shops.”

The 400 Roses Morris Dancing group were one of a number of dance troupes who lit up the streets with their performances.

Dancer Debbie Berry said: “It’s been a great day, very busy and very enjoyable for all of us.

“I think we’ve gone down well with the crowds because we are a mixture of lots of dancing styles, and people like the colourful costumes.

“We are actually based in Shipley, so it’s really nice for us to be able to come and dance on our home turf.”