THE Coniston Water Festival has always been able to rally a crowd on its long awaited comebacks.

1991 saw the Coniston Water Festival celebrate its tenth year and put on an action-packed weekend in the month of June.

The event was opened on the Saturday by Major John Hex of Coniston.

This also came after a series of lessons and classes that had been hosted in preparation for the festival, by Coniston Boating Centre.

There was a boat dressing competition, a race was interrupted by bad weather on the Bank Holiday Monday and a series of sky diving displays from North West Parachute Centre at Flookburgh also joined in the fun.

Other events included a treasure hunt and a ‘Pint to pint’ race organised by the Crown.

The Gondola which VSEL apprentices had helped restore, offered rides for the public, organised by Coniston WI. There was also a five a side football competition.

In 2005, up to 20 boats with dozens of sailors and adventurers ventured down to Coniston to take part in the Water Regatta over the weekend of September 24-25.

Five races took place which marked the return of the event after four years absence.

Organisers hoped the day would spark the rebirth of the Regatta which was known to attract hundreds of competitors in his prime.

Coniston Sailing club Commodore John Johnson said: “When I was in my 20s you used to get 100 boats on the water which was quiet a spectacle.

“My hopes for the future is that it becomes an annual event again.

“But it needs to be held in the summer when people are on holiday so they can bring their families down here.

“We can build on this. It’s a start. It is good to have it back.

“Coniston Water is a superb place to come and sail.”

The event used to be held during the summer months as part of the Coniston Water Festival.

Most of the wet activities took place at Land’s Point, Coniston Hall Farm.

The 10-day long festival begin with musicians performing vintage Cumbrian music. Artists included Brian Dewan who played at the lake side at dusk.

Project manager Sarah McCrory said: “There was a good turnout for the music event on the Friday when the local band Dangerous Hatchet played at the Institute.

“Grizedale Arts has a big involvement this year, but the idea is that next year the village will take the festival back.

“We were all looking forward to the boat dressing parade.”