Music fans crowded streets, pubs and clubs in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday, when dozens of live music and dance acts performed across the town during the annual FolkFest.
Organisers said the eighth annual event, which started on Thursday, has been the ‘best yet’ with record crowds across the town.
Ten hours of live music was held on Saturday at each venue, including The Princess, Victoria, the Somerset & Dorset, the Royal Clarence, the Waterfront and The Ritz.
In addition to live music, there were also street entertainers, children’s activities, a craft market and free workshops.
A KidsZone at the Baptist Church was well supported with jungle-themed crafts and two Punch and Judy shows provinh popular. There were also music lessons from festival performers teaching songwriting, guitar and music history.
Outside the church colourful flamenco, morris and clog dancing demonstrations from local dancers including Burnham’s Coastal Cloggers were held.
On Sunday, the action shifted to Burnham’s Manor Gardens where a KidsZone, market, dancing and free live music were available.
Performers included local guitarist Steve Brown, Bristol-based a cappella singers Firefly, this year’s BBC Young Folk Awards winners Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar, ‘scrump-punks’ Skimmity Hitchers and the young Welsh folk rock band Rusty Shackle.
Burnham’s MP, Tessa Munt, pictured with festival marshall Oliver Hulme on Saturday, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s great to see Burnham so busy with people enjoying themselves. This festival is great for the town and has my full support.”
And Folkfest Chairman Dom Wills told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s been a great start to the festival – the crowds have enjoyed some superb entertainment in the sunshine. We think we’ve put a really good bill together this year, with something for most tastes.”
