DESPITE the threat of rain and high winds, the eighth annual Burley-in-Wharfedale Summer Festival got off to a flying start at the weekend with over 30 events taking place.

The fun dog show in the recreation ground attracted over 60 entrants in the various categories which saw the dogs carrying sausages without eating them to terrier racing. Sponsored by The Rhyddings Natural Pet Shop, the show included demonstrations from Guide Dogs and pups, Hope Rescue and Linbee Dog Rescue.

Judging of the scarecrow competition judging also started. In honour of this year's Rio Olympics and Paralympics, the competition has a Brazilian theme. The 56 entries are being judged all week so there is still time to pick up a judging form from Burley Park Roundhouse in Grange Park and pick your favourite scarecrow. There are also special limited edition stickers for all children who vote for their favourite scarecrow.

The opening weekend featured free music in Grange Park by Shipley’s Anchor Band followed in the evening by King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, who played a magnificent swing dance set to a full house with dancing lessons for the novices. The Wharfedale Chamber Ensemble also entertained a full house in the Methodist Church for those who fancied a more restrained evening of entertainment.

Sunday saw an improvement in the weather for the Classic Vehicle Show, which saw over 330 classic vehicles on show at Burley Cricket Club. The Craft Show and Food Market were very well attended with both reporting brisk business.

In the afternoon festival goers were treated to a music set by the Knaresborough Silver Band, and to end the afternoon in a world premier, the Burley Ukulele Jammers Band played to a park crowd of over 100. The sing-a-long set featured over 15 popular songs.

The festival continues this week, concluding on bank holiday Monday, August 29 with the Annual Show of the Burley Gardeners’ Association at the Queen’s Hall, Main Street, Burley in Wharfedale.

Further details and tickets for remaining events can be found at http://www.burleysummerfestival.org