THE SHEER variety of offerings at the Gunnislake Festival last week meant that there was something for everyone over the four days.

Even the weather kept to the theme, producing thunder, lightning, heavy rain and sunshine during the festivities.

Braving the somewhat indecisive weather conditions, the festival kicked off on Saturday with performances from various live bands. Crooner Michael Campari was keen to add his very own brand of entertainment belting out songs from the big band era.

The variety continued with an interesting insight into the oldest type of wrestling in the world, with display by the Cornish Wrestling Association. All members got stuck in, including a number of youngsters both male and female, providing an unique form of entertainment which was well received by the many who attended the celebrations.

Earlier in the day Hilary Fairhurst, the parish crier, lead specially dressed villagers and members of the Gunnislake Local Amateur Operatic Society (GLAD) into the village 'arena' accompanied by the Turnpike Strolling Jazz Band, whose music got the festival off to a flying start.

The afternoon's programme included the premiere performance of GLAD's 'Aladdin meets Blind Date' . As the heavens opened, Zumba members bravely performed their musical keep fit routine while folk huddled under gazebos displaying the various stalls manned by local groups and societies offeried cream teas, ice creams, and a barbecue with more refreshments from Jackie's Crusade Fellowship Cafe.

Children were entertained with fairground rides, sideshows, face painting and a bouncy castle.

A history exhibition containing a particularly special section on the emigration of many villagers following the collapse of the local mining industries was displayed in the public hall. Nostalgia was also in abundance for the repeat showing on Wednesday evening of the film 'The Silent Valley' narrated by Angela Rippon in 1975 for Westward Television which focused on the changed valley following the mining decline.

The Callington Singers gave a concert of sacred music in St Ann's Church for the benefit of those who braved the thunderstorm Friday night while the Festival Group of Artists provided an exhibition in the church hall.

Each of the four local pubs provided entertainment and well known historian Stephen Docksey led a walk from Drakewalls Depot to Chilsworthy Halt in memory of Brain Spencer who did so much for the village before his death last year.

In order to continue the festival into 2014 the committee needs more members.

To get involved contact Gill Pengelly, committee chair, at The Buccaneer Public House on 01822 833752.