Visitors jumped at the chance to dip their toes in the action, spread across three locations along the river from Thwaites Mill to Clarence Dock and Brewery Wharf.

They were treated to entertainment on two stages, with dance, music, a Michael Jackson tribute night, boat parade and art and craft displays, transforming the waterfront into a hive of free, fun-packed activity.

Festival director Jennie Beaumont said: "It was fantastic, there was a complete mix of people and lots of new visitors to the waterfront, which is just what we wanted to try and achieve."

In contrast, death-defying stunts were the order of the day at Rothwell Carnival, with Stannage International Stunt Team showcasing "The Death Defying Amazing Flaming High Dive" and a woodcutting display with chainsaws.

But despite the outrageous acts, organiser Mick Penn said this year's event had been a smaller, quieter affair, with crowds of around 4,000 turning out.

It was the last carnival organised by Rothwell Entertainments team, who felt unable to cope with the workload but Mr Penn said they were keen to support the next generation of organisers and hoped next year's event would be the biggest and best yet.

Less dramatic activities were on the timetable in Pontefract but the town's spectacular annual Liquorice Festival proved just as popular as ever in its 14th year.

It attracted around 20,000 people with liquorice-themed events plus circus workshops, puppet shows, face painting, dancing and music.
Guy Morgan, from Leeds, said: "My girlfriend brought me to the festival as a surprise and it turned out to be one of the best weekends we've had in ages."

Over in Heckmondwike, people took a trip back in time for the 1940s Day at Ponderosa Farm, with Military and Home Front Displays and fashion shows, and a spectacular battle show depicting the Allies fighting their way into Northern France.