WIND and rain may have forced the early closure of a long-anticipated Barrow festival – but spirits weren’t left dampened.

Fudstock made its triumphant return in a new venue this weekend at Furness Cavaliers Football Club after a two-year hiatus.

Crowds of people turned up to celebrate the life of Barrovian Richard Thorne AKA Fud.

The festival, which started in 2018, supports St Mary’s Hospice, the Ulverston-based charity that cared for Fud in the final weeks of his life and has raised more than £70,000 to this end over the years.

Plans had been in place for months to help make this year’s event a success.

However adverse weather conditions meant festival organisers were forced to make the difficult decision of closing the event at 7.30pm.

Fud’s sister and one of the festival’s directors, Joanne Firth, said the feedback has been ‘overwhelming’ about this year’s event despite the unexpected change of plans.

She said: “For safety reasons and due to the adverse weather we closed the festival early at 7.30.

READ MORE: Organisers plan 'fresh start' in new location for Barrow's Fudstock

“The weather was horrendous but we are really grateful to those that attended and braved the weather. Small children embraced the rain and mud with their wellies on and people came equipped.

“Everyone loved it despite the conditions and the feedback has been overwhelming.

“The staff, partners, vendors, bands and acts were amazing, and were patient, understanding and adapted accordingly.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get the day we’d planned or hoped for but we can’t control the weather. “The support we’ve received since has been phenomenal.

“We’ll be back when we’ve dried off.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us.”