FIFTY-one two metre high seraphs filled the nave of Cartmel Priory as the village hosted its first ever Festival of Angels.

Planning for the event started almost a year ago as an inspirational proposal by Charlotte Mitchell to the priory’s social committee for a community celebration that could involve as many organisations, businesses and individuals as possible.

The vicar, the Rev Nick Devenish was enthusiastic about the idea and gave his blessings for the project to go ahead.

Invitations were distributed around the village for people to decorate angels of their own design to be exhibited in the priory church for 10 days at the beginning of December with visitors voting for their favourite.

A “prototype” was produced by Mrs Mitchell on a special angel-shaped wooden board provided by priory bell ringer and local carpenter Jaap Klijn to give participants an idea of what could be achieved.

Mr Klijn also agreed to manufacture 50 further boards at cost price for the festival. Applications were soon pouring in from local schools and clubs, businesses, and inspired individuals.

Strict instructions had been given that the figures should be covered until the opening day and the building gradually filled with their ghostly shapes. The organising committee completed their setting up and the spectacular vision was finally revealed.

The festival’s official opening coincided with the switching on of Cartmel traders’ lights around the village with special attractions, late shopping and Flookburgh Band in attendance.

Even the strong wind and rain could not dampen enthusiasm and the crowds around the village were reminiscent of race days. The priory’s festival was an immediate success with several hundred visitors that evening alone and many more arriving over the following ten days.

The festival far exceeded the original hopes of its organisers and appears to have involved almost everyone in the village in its preparation.

It also has exposed the wealth of local talent and ingenuity through the workmanship and humour displayed in the angels’ design.

Winners of the favourite angel were Cartmel CofE Primary School for the best junior entry. Crabtree Creatives won the award for the best individual/family while Cartmel Surgery was voted best community group entry. The best overall entry was from The Mallard Tearooms which also won the business class.