Although the temperature did not – thankfully – drop below freezing, an Arctic visitor has been made to feel more than welcome in Carlisle.

Crowds of all ages gathered in the heart of the city for the second day of the inaugural Carlisle Fringe – three days of street theatre shows and outdoor performances for both the young and old.

Arguably the main attraction was Bjorn the polar bear who, having been befriended by an conservationist, travels the world telling their story.

Also performing outside the Old Town Hall, much to the delight of the watching public, were the Chamber Maids – four cockneys outraged at the state of the city and who were forceful about getting it spick and span for guests about to check in.

The quartet will also be performing again today at 3pm.

Graham Main, executive producer of Electric Theatre Workshop, which produces Carlisle Fringe, said: “The Carlisle Fringe Project has been an outright success and we are very grateful to everyone who has made this possible, including the performers and crews who have created some magical moments over the last couple of days.

“We have been blown away by how willing everyone is to make Carlisle a really fun place.”

The festival launched on Sunday and will finish today, with performances including El Grand National, Flowerpot Theatre and Dancing Queen taking place throughout the day.

Seb Combe, from Carlisle and one of the Fringe performers, said: “The people of Carlisle have really got behind the idea of the festival, and we can see that there is an appetite for this. There is no show without punch, and the public have been very receptive to the idea that the city can be taken over by clowns, dragons, polar bears and performers.”

Anne Quilter, Carlisle City Council’s portfolio holder for culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The Carlisle Fringe is proving to be a must-see event that includes an impressive line-up of street entertainment and local acts.

“It is an exciting addition to our pageant programme which also included our puppet parade and Best of Carlisle Market. The International Market, due to start this Wednesday, will conclude the 10-day event.”

Carlisle Fringe is part of the city’s pageant celebrations which began on Saturday and run until Bank Holiday Monday. It is supported by the city council, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and Cumbria County Council.

Visit www.discovercarlisle.co.uk for more information.