ULVERSTON'S famous Dickensian Festival returned to the cobbled streets of the town this weekend, with thousands turning out from all over the country.

The community came in their droves the mark the start of the festive period.

The Dickensian Festival is one of the heavyweight events in the town’s busy festival calendar.

Hundreds of stalls were set up in the town centre selling all things Christmas including mince pies, festive gifts and mulled wine.

A huge variety of free entertainment was on show for the locals.

A festive range of music and dancing were dotted about the town, including jazz bands and storytellers.

Betty Brawn, the self-styled “strongest woman alive” returned to Ulverston as part of the packed programme of events for the festival.

The Australian-born performer left viewers gobsmacked at her capability of lifting two men holding onto a bar.

Betty said the Dickensian Festival is always a great success.

She said: “A lot of my in-laws life around here so it is always great to come back.

“Each year the festival grows in popularity and it is fantastic for the town.

“It is the first time I have been back here since the year it snowed, so thankfully the weather was better.”

"The people are always welcoming and I am thankful that they enjoyed my shows."

The festival, started in 1999 but now regularly attracts more than 30,000 spectators to Ulverston.

Every corner of the town centre was full of Dickensian over the weekend.

Short train rides were on show for children to enjoy outside Ulverston markets, while Kendal Farmers' Market lined up down New Market Street.

Victorian costume parades also took place over the weekend, starting from County Square at 3pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.

Mayor Dave Webster said: “The town prides itself on being a festival town and the Dickensian Christmas Fair is its crowning glory.

“There is an eclectic and flamboyant mix of entertainment, stalls and refreshment within its cobbled streets.”