THOUSANDS flocked to Hammond’s Pond on the bank holiday, basking in the sunshine as fun for the whole family was on offer at the Upperby Gala. 

Organised by Cumberland Council and supported by the Friends of Hammond’s Pond Group, the community-centred event fell on the park's centenary year. 

This year’s program included performances by the Savage Skills Stunt Team, Studio A Dance Company, the Bjamba Band, Border City Dance Works and the Lazy River Jazz Band plus activities from Carlisle College and Tullie House. 

Charities were also on hand to give the public an indication as to what goes into their work, such as North Cumbria Rescue & Response who led demonstrations on water safety with Carlisle's new mayor Abdul Harid getting hands-on. 

News and Star: Water safety tips with Carlisle's Mayor Abdul Harid and the NCRR teamWater safety tips with Carlisle's Mayor Abdul Harid and the NCRR team (Image: Stuart Walker Photography)

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said:“The Upperby Gala in Carlisle was a great success and attracted thousands of visitors.

"We would like to thank all the partners involved in organising the event, including our events team, Hammond’s Pond café and the Friends of Hammond’s Pond.”

Secretary of Friends of Hammond's Pond said they were 'grateful' for everyone's hard work in pulling off such a spectacular occasion. 

News and Star: Crews from Carlisle East and Carlisle West Fire Stations, attended Upperby Gala at Hammonds Pond, to educate the public about water safety and how they can stay safe.Crews from Carlisle East and Carlisle West Fire Stations, attended Upperby Gala at Hammonds Pond, to educate the public about water safety and how they can stay safe. (Image: CFRS)

"As a group we are lucky with the support we have from Cumberland Council, Carlisle Hammonds Pond Railway, Hammond’s Pond Cafe, the Police, Cumbria wildlife trust and many other agencies - we all have the same aim to make sure every visitor to the park can enjoy what we all see - for many more years to come."

Residents spoke to the group and shared thoughtful messages about the positive changes they have seen as the park has evolved. 

News and Star: Residents were asked for their thoughts on thoughts on Hammond’s PondResidents were asked for their thoughts on thoughts on Hammond’s Pond (Image: Supplied)

Chairperson of Carlisle's Model Engineering Society, Stephanie Saville, said: "Glorious weather with lots of new faces. A big thank you to everyone who came for a ride on the trains, so many happy smiley faces." 

Upperby councillor Chris Wills was also on hand with Karl Smith, a dog behaviourist, and Artur Kajda, dog trainer, to talk to residents to encourage and promote animal training. 

News and Star: Cllr Chris Wills, Karl Smith and local resident with her dog at the gala Cllr Chris Wills, Karl Smith and local resident with her dog at the gala (Image: Supplied)

"At the wonderful and sunny gala, I was talking to local dog owners about getting a better understanding of what dogs need to be properly controlled. I teamed up with Karl and Artur and we had a terrific response and lots of Upperby dog owners will be attending our free training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday now," he said. 

And on the back of the event, it won't be a quiet summer for the pond. 

"As part of our centenary year, we have been granted funding to hold some events this year. We will have archery and the Wheels of Wellness over the summer holidays for two dates and are planning a history talk in the cafe.

"We will also be hosting the ‘Paws for Oaktree’ a fantastic fundraising event for dog lovers," the secretary of Friends of Hammond's Pond said. 

Friends of Hammond's Pond are always open to new volunteers, you can contact them on Facebook or via secretaryfhp@gmail.co.uk.