Popular Cumbrian singer Jolan made sure the show went ahead as planned at Maryport family gala - despite wind and rain keeping away the crowds.

The finalist in the BBC's The Voice show - who lives in Moor Row near Whitehaven - banged out song after song to an almost empty field.

But despite the disappointment organisers said they will now start planning to bring back the defunct carnival next year and combine it with the gala.

All the ingredients were there for a fun day – live entertainment, fairground rides and stalls, the Clip ‘n’ Climb wall, food stalls and birds of prey.

Secretary, Thomas Todd, said it was dry for the first two hours but the wind kept people at home.

He said: “You could say today was a wash out but we are determined to carry on.

“Next year we want to try and bring back the carnival proper and end with a fun day like this.”

Chairman, Lee Williamson, added: “Those who turned out enjoyed themselves. We can’t do anything about the weather."

Also braving the weather were representatives of Maryport Hospital's Save Our Beds (SOB) campaign who were keen to gather support in their battle to protect services in the town.

Maryport Cottage Hospital along with others across Cumbria has under-threat from the so-called Success Regime which is looking to change health services in Cumbria.

The gala day was organised by five town councillors, Lee Williamson, Thomas Todd, Billy Pegram, Linda Radcliffe and Sam Barcock, along

with Round Tablers Mark Dawson and Nick Hayton.

It was sponsored by Allerdale and Maryport councils and Round Table.