Let the bells ring out: Hundreds pack harbourside for Wessex Folk Festival

Saturday was bright and sunny, while on Sunday the grey skies didn’t dampen the spirits on Weymouth harbourside as Morris dancers dressed in an array of colourful costumes, bells, hats, feathers and even fake deer horns, delighted the crowds.

There were performances including clog dancing, dancing with sticks, handkerchiefs, hoops and arches decorated with ribbons.

The sound of drums and fiddle music soared across the harbour as bands took to the stages in Trinity Road and Hope Square and got everyone dancing and singing along. There was also plenty of music to be heard in the pubs.

The Black Water County band were seen running into the audience on the quayside to get everyone dancing, much to the delight and surprise of the crowd.

Holidaymakers and residents alike joined in the fun.

Colin and Anne Fullick had travelled from Andover. Mr Fullick said he had been holidaying in Weymouth for 70 years. He said he first visited the town when he was three and remembered being about ten years old and going crabbing on Weymouth beach, before taking the crabs home to eat.

He said the festival was very good, adding: “We have really enjoyed it.”

Mrs Fullick said she enjoyed watching the dancing.

Sue Appleton, who had travelled down to support her husband in the West Somerset Morris Men, said it was a great event and they all really enjoyed visiting the town each year.

She said the best bit was the dancing and the atmosphere of the event, adding: “It’s a lot of fun.”

Paula Crick and her family from Rugby, were spending their last day in Weymouth at the festival.

She said: “It’s lovely, really nice.”

Weymouth residents Mark and Yvonne Rickard enjoyed watching the bands on the harbourside with their friends Dave and Venita Whalley. The group said it was a very enjoyable event.

Mrs Whalley said: “This is our third year. It’s brilliant. The weather has been kind to us as well — it’s fabulous.”

Visitors were greeted with a host of food stalls selling delights including Spanish churros and Thai food to burgers and toasties.

There were also stalls featuring everything from jewellery and flower head bands to Celtic t-shirts.

Trisha Donovan from the festival said: “It’s a really lovely festival. It’s a happy event- everyone has a great time.”

She added that it was very inclusive with all ages involved.