HUNDREDS of people turned out to celebrate the 53rd Darwen Gala.

Grey, gloomy skies were blown away by the bright, exciting floats displaying a selection of the town’s talent as the parade marched down the A666.

There were 18 groups taking part, including the Darwen Morris Dancers, Blackburn Centurions Swimming Club and the Accrington Pipe Band.

The parade started in Anchor Road and made its way towards the town centre, before arriving at Bold Venture Park where fun activities were on offer.

There were 60 stalls offering food and goods to buy, as well as a climbing wall and a beer tent.

Eve Julia Bolan, of the Darwen Gala committee, said the event had grown in recent years.

She said: “It’s been brilliant, we’ve had lots of people turn up and I’ve had lots of great feedback.

“As the weather is never great on gala day we decided this year to hold a wellington boot fashion show to embrace the rain and make it part of the day.

“The gala takes place to bring the community together and to get everyone involved.

“It’s a chance for groups and charities to express themselves and make themselves aware to the wider public.”

Sarah Holden, head coach of Cheer Valley, a Darwen-based cheer and stunt squad, said the gala was of great benefit to the town.

She said: “Today was really good. It was a great chance for the children of these groups to show off what they do and encourage others to come and take part.

“It’s a great community event that helps bring the town together and it's a tradition that needs to continue.

“This was our eighth gala we have taken part in and we performed a few dance routines the team rehearsed.”

Roy Sutcliffe, driver of the Trinity Rocks cheerleading float, which was donated by CSH Transport in Blackburn, said: “It’s a chance for businesses to help out those in the community and we have done that by offering a wagon to the Trinity Rocks team.

“They dressed it up really well and it looked fantastic.”

The gala has been held in the town since 1955.

Jackie Broughton, 67, from Darwen, said: “I really enjoy watching the gala every year.

“It’s a nice event for everyone as you can be from a club, a band or anything and still take part. I hope it continues for a long time.”