The Ulverston Charter Festival has been a highlight in the town’s calendar for many years.

The event in 1988 was another huge success. Celebrations began on a Saturday in September with a parade to the Market Place to raise the town’s flag.

Grey skies and threatening rain did not put off the shoppers and spectators as the Mayor, Cllr Colin Hodgson, his wife and town crier Alf Jarvis marched from the Coronation Hall, followed by the Ulverston Boys’ Brigade band.

After the flag was raised, Ulverston Dancing School performed, as did Ulverston Town Band.

Town crier Mr Jarvis announced the week’s attractions, which included cycle road racing and a tour of the police station.

Visitors had the opportunity to see the cells, courts and a police motorcycle.

In the afternoon the gardeners’ show got under way at the Coronation Hall.

This year the Charter princess was Nicola Appleton.

All money raised from the charter week’s event would be donated to the Mayor’s charities at the end of the year.

The week saw an exciting raft race on Ulverston Canal. On a warm and sunny afternoon, hundreds of people headed to Canal Head. Ten teams took part in the race – all wearing fancy dress - in rafts of various shapes and sizes.

Teams had to make their way from Canal Head to Glaxo Bridge, overcoming obstacles along the way.

With a stiff breeze behind them the teams got off to a quick start. Team Dalton raft entered by Phil Dalton Engineering at Flookburgh took an early lead.

Priory Building’s Saucy Sue raft overtook them at one stage but Team Dalton regained the lead and eventually crossed the finishing line in first place.

Teams had to overcome a jet of water directed at them by Ulverston Fire Brigade at the Railway Bridge.

The festival came to a close after ten days with a spectacular lantern procession.