TORRENTIAL rain temporarily took the shine off Ilkley’s Continental Market - forcing the cancellation of part of the entertainment.

Dominic Halpin and the Honeybees were due to entertain the crowds on Saturday evening but the performance was cancelled because of safety fears as the weather worsened.

The three day event still managed to pull in the crowds despite Saturday’s appalling weather.

Ilkley councillor Anne Hawkesworth said: “Saturday night was just so dire that we had to pull the performance.

“There were virtually streams running down the car park.”

She said the the decision to cancel the free performance was taken because of concerns over safety.

She said the continental market continued but added: “I didn’t go round and ask them how well they had done but I know the trade would not have been great on the Saturday.

“I think the weather put a dampener on it.”

Despite the mixed conditions the market did attract large crowds and other acts managed to perform.

Food sellers from around the world brought a wide variety of tastes and smells to The Grove as the street was turned into a pedestrian area.

Visitors were given the chance to sample the cuisines of France, Spain, Italy and Zanzibar - while one stall featured G&T with a South East Asian twist. Also among the treats on sale were bread, cheese, waffles and numerous types of sweets.

The three-day event is an important part of the town’s calender and is part of Ilkley Summer Festival.

The festival kicked off on Yorkshire Day with a proclamation from Ilkley’s Town Crier, an a variety of music and entertainment.

The Concert on the Grove will take place on Saturday, August 31. Entertainment will include Marsden Silver Prize Band Tickets for the Concert on the Grove are available via Ilkley Tourist Information Centre.