FRESH venues for the Pickwick Festival didn’t deter the crowds on a sharp winter’s night in Whalley.

And the annual gathering provided the perfect tonic after a tough 12 months for residents and traders in the Ribble Valley town.

Recovering from the last Christmas floods may have taken its toll on Whalley Lions, a key partner on the festival committee.

But a new home, with the festivities shared between the Whalley Arms and Swan Hotel car parks, ensured 2016 was an event to remember.

Neil Martin, committee chairman, said: “Our numbers have been depleted after all the work that’s taken place since the floods.

“But the owners of the Whalley Arms, which has been closed for some time, were happy to offer us their car park. We’re grateful for this and there’s been lots of people enjoying themselves, as ever.”

Covers specialists The Boutiques held their own on their main stage, alternating with Accrington Pipe Band and village hall performances by Balderstone Brass Band.

Children’s fair rides surrounded The Swan and a Victorian Whalley display was at the Old Grammar School. Carols were hosted at the Methodist Church, Whalley Primary had a Santa’s grotto and the parish church saw a tree festival and hand bell ringing.

Lorraine Holden, from Guide, who ran the Donkey Sanctuary stall in the village hall, said: “I’ve been here once before but it seems to be going really well and we’re going to raise quite a bit.”

Veteran runner Lorraine is preparing for her seventh marathon in London in April for her cause.

Butcher Steve Hallworth, who opened his Accrington Road shop for a hog roast, said: “It’s been really busy here and great for the town.

“We’ve been helping to keep the Lions tame with some fresh meat.”