STORM Bert failed to dampen the second St Clement’s Festival at the weekend.

Malton's St Clement’s Festival may have been without its blacksmithing due to the rain, but the fire and passion for the celebration of the ancient patron of blacksmiths and metalworkers, burned bright at the community event which saw artists, sculptors, weavers, choirs, brass bands, actors and more take part in the special day.

A spokesperson from the organising committee said: "Visitors from the local community enjoyed a wonderful programme of music throughout the day within the warmth of St Michael’s Church, which was adorned with beautiful, colourful floral displays, brilliantly crafted by the Malton and District Flower Club.

"The Milton Rooms also played an integral part in the day’s festivities, where story-telling and crafts took place in the family area whilst local artists demonstrated their talents to interested visitors.

"The Cook’s Place workshops were relocated into The Milton Rooms too, where families were welcomed and the children busied themselves making delicious St Clement’s Apple Crumbles.

The spokesperson added: “It wasn’t quite the event we’d planned due to the snow and stormy weather but despite all; fond memories were forged, for both participants and attendees on Saturday.

"The musical, arts and creative programmes offered indoor warmth alongside great entertainment and those activities which could be relocated, created a festive buzz in the Milton Rooms.

"In the early evening, the wind dropped, the rain stopped and a crowd enjoyed the outstanding immersive performance of Looking for Loki, written especially for the event and the son et lumiere show, projected onto the church was even better than 2023. A bar has been set for the St Clements finale once again. "

"We would like to thank everyone who came, participated, laughed with us and made St Clement’s 2024 one to remember."

Find out more about the event: www.visitmalton.com/malton-st-clements-festival