HUNDREDS of revellers soaked up a carnival atmosphere in the scorching sunshine at Dalton’s annual historic fair and market in May 1997.

The festival, held in the grounds of St Mary’s Parish Church, boasted a whole host of events for children and adults.

CROWN: May Queen Jennifer O’Neill at the fair in 1997

CROWN: May Queen Jennifer O’Neill at the fair in 1997

The Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, James Cropper, opened the fair, wearing a uniform of the Lancashire militia, formerly belonging to his great grandfather.

Jenny O’Neill was proudly crowned May Queen, along with her attendants.

People wandered among bric-a-brac and games stalls, accompanied by the sound of Dalton Town Band.

Stall-holders invited people to guess the name of a giant teddy and estimate the number of jelly beans in a jar.

Other merry-makers wandered around the fair wearing clothes from the past.

Even when the sun went in, it didn’t cloud the event as young maypole dancers from the church skipped to the tune of the lively accordion player.

SCHOOL: Pupils of St Mary’s School, Dalton, perform a May Pole dance at the fair in 1997

SCHOOL: Pupils of St Mary’s School, Dalton, perform a May Pole dance at the fair in 1997

Ian Hook, the St Mary’s curate, treated his audience to a performance of special magic shows.

Many people were attracted to Dalton in May 1998 for the charter fair.

Town crier Stuart Lawrence opened the event with the ancient tradition of reading the town charter and the crowning of the Charter Queen was followed by music from Dalton Town Band.

There were toy and cake stalls and children enjoyed traditional wooden swing boats, a large bouncy castle and various games.

Furness United Reformed Church opened its doors to serve refreshments.

HEAR YE: Dalton town crier Stuart Lawrence launches the proceedings at the fair in 1997

HEAR YE: Dalton town crier Stuart Lawrence launches the proceedings at the fair in 1997

Lee Sharman, deputy mayor of Dalton, said: “We are trying to rekindle the old tradition and keep it going.

"We want to get people interested in what is happening in Dalton.

“We want people in the area to realise it is an historical old town and it’s nice for the younger generation to keep them involved as well.”

One stall which received supportive comments was the Youth Zone, the new youth club for youngsters in Dalton.