THE 26th Ely Folk Festival was held last Friday, Saturday and Sunday when 30 acts performed to a sell out audience.

As well as the performance artists there was plenty of family fun on offer: Morris dancing displays, real ale bar, trade stalls, workshops, dances and children’s entertainment including storytelling, juggling and Jan and her amazing blackboard van. There were Morris dancing displays on site and in town from some of the country’s best sides, covering all Morris traditions.

The festival aims to reflect the rich diversity of the modern folk music scene and included top acts from the UK, Ireland and further afield, and new, fresh, up-and-coming talent whilst retaining its intimate, family friendly environment.

Concerts, workshops, opportunities to meet the musicians ‘unplugged’, food and trade stands were also on offer. Ceilidhs were held during Friday and Saturday evenings and the workshops gave visitors a chance to learn from festival performers. Traditional French dance workshops were also on offer.

The Festival organisers had spent more on performers than ever before and the event was sold out weeks before it took place.