Published at 13:38, Tuesday, 06 September 2011

A FORTNIGHT of fun celebrating Ulverston’s market charter got under way at the weekend.

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Ulverston Charter Festival is a celebration marking the town’s charter, granted by Edward I in 1280.

Wet weather delayed proceedings on Saturday, and forced organisers to begin events in the Coronation Hall, where Ulverston Beer Festival was taking place.

Mayor of Ulverston, Councillor Pat Jones, who recovered from a bowel cancer operation in time for the festival, opened the proceedings and handed out prizes to the winners of Ulverston in Bloom.

She said: “Hopefully there is something of interest to everybody.

“The ball will be my highlight but I like the community spirit of the whole event.”

Cllr Jones also named Ulverston ambassadors Eleanor Davison and Thomas Rutter.

Jo Ward, festival secretary, said: “We thought the idea of charter princess was outdated. We wanted two young people that could represent the town through the year equally.”

Mrs Ward, a former charter princess herself, said this year’s event is a mix of old favourites and new events.

She said: “We have a lot on – from the Old Contemptibles which is more traditional, to the Asian Curry Night.

“We’ve got the Roxy Bingo in here as people say they miss it in the town.”

Miss Davison, 15, of Swarthmoor, said: “I’m really pleased I got it but I was surprised. We had to go to an interview and say how we felt about Ulverston and things we’ve done which would help in the role.

“I’m really looking forward to the year.”

Ulverston Charter Festival events take place daily until September 17, when the festival climaxes with a lantern procession from 7.45pm, ending in Ford Park.

Events taking place include the Ulverston Charter Festival wine tasting event in the Coronation Hall supper room from 7.30pm on Friday.

Taylor’s Fun Fair will be open in The Gill from 6pm until 10.30pm from Wednesday September 14 until Friday September 16.

It will then be open on Saturday September 17 from 1pm until 10.30pm.

For full details of events, pick up a programme from Ulverston Tourist Information in the Coronation Hall.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk