Fans flock to folk festival (From Western Telegraph)

Fans flock to folk festival

9:28pm Friday 10th June 2011 in Fishguard & Goodwick

FISHGUARD Folk Festival has been hailed a sell-out success, as folk fans flocked to the town from far and wide.

The annual festival, now in its 12th year, offered four days of music and dance at various venues throughout the town.

The colourful event has been described as one of the UK’s best small traditional music festival, and features dance displays, meet the artist events, busking, informal music, open mic and song sessions.

Workshops and concerts were held on the streets, at the Royal Oak, the Ship and Yacht Club in Lower Town, the Ship and Anchor, and St Mary’s church hall.

There was also a popular smugglers and pirates walk with Gary Jones.

Acts included Mike Chant, Heretique, Belshazzar’s Feast, Catrin O’Neill, The Vagrants Crew, Heb Enw Border Morris, Rapsquillion and sea-shanty duo Mainbrace.

Bryan Talbot, treasurer, said: “It was very well attended. The two main concerts were sold out, despite a late change of venue, and the weather was fine which always helps.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, it was a very relaxed, family friendly atmosphere, and people came from far and wide.

“It was a great success.”

Mr Talbot added that local residents had kindly provided accommodation free of charge.

He said: “They did it through the goodness of their hearts, we couldn’t do it without these people.

Everyone pulled together.”

Organisers have already received positive feedback, and requests to perform at next year’s event.