HUNDREDS flocked to a fun day that brought the families of Barrow to the Forum 28 in 1998.

BEATING: Young musicians from the Drum Work Shop run by Fitz beat out some groovy sounds at Forum 28

BEATING: Young musicians from the Drum Work Shop run by Fitz beat out some groovy sounds at Forum 28

Hundreds of kids made the most of the summer fun by joining the staff at the Forum for The Mail's sponsored event the Travelling Fun Festival.

Among those keeping kids amused was the popular storyteller Taffy Thomas wearing his coat of many stories, which was covered in pictures around which he could spin so many tales of magical adventures and heroic deeds.

TRICKS: Little drummer girls from Fitz’s drum work shop beat the drum for the Travelling Fun Festival

TRICKS: Little drummer girls from Fitz’s drum work shop beat the drum for the Travelling Fun Festival

There was also a colourful picture art gallery and the sound of banging out the beats with Fitz's Drum Workshop.

Young people from Barrow, Dalton, Askam and further afield came to join the excitement.

They enjoyed a selection of songs performed by Mike Willoughby.

OPEN: The Mayor Councillor Mary Irwin opening the Funky Art Gallery at Forum 28 in 1998

OPEN: The Mayor Councillor Mary Irwin opening the Funky Art Gallery at Forum 28 in 1998

The festival was organised by arts development officer Doe Brannon.

This marked the second time the Forum had hosted for the festival.

An earlier fun day had been put together at the Forum in 1997, which saw a special Big Jamboree-themed celebration.

DRUMMING: The Forum 28 pictured in 1998

DRUMMING: The Forum 28 pictured in 1998

The festival fun day had also visited numerous community centres, including some in Dalton, Roosecote and Askam.

The idea to host the Travelling Festival at the Forum came from the council.

Doe Brannon, arts development officer with Barrow Borough Council said: "When I arrived at the Forum 28 there were a lot of workshops going on.

"The Jamboree Day is to give everybody the change to get together to see how things that have been made over the last three weeks can unfold. I hope they like them."

PRACTISING: Drummers pictured in 1998 at Forum 28

PRACTISING: Drummers pictured in 1998 at Forum 28

In 2005, the Forum also saw another reason for celebration after the building went through a revamp as part of a £700,000 project which would see improvements on two vital Barrow buildings.

Along with the Town Hall, the Forum 28 would undergo improvements, including a ground-floor bar and a reception arena. There would also be a new extension incorporating an improved tourist information centre and integrated box office.