More than 30 musical acts, several sides of Morris dancers, traders and folk-lovers all packed out Hope Square and the harbourside over the weekend for the annual Wessex Folk Festival.

The festival took place amid glorious sunshine on Saturday and Sunday, bringing the crowds streaming to the event, which celebrates the country's folk music and traditions.

Geoff Knapman of Bourne River Morris Men - the area's 'local' side- was relaxing after a performance on Sunday, and said that the festival had been 'as good as it always is'.

"We love it here," said Mr Knapman. "And the weather makes a big difference. The crowds have been excellent."

His fellow dancer Keith Budd added that the troupe had been coming to the festival 'for many years'.

"It's a great spot, right on the water," he said.

Another troupe, OBJ - or 'O Be Joyous' - had travelled from Bracknell in Berkshire to present their special Border Morris dance, named for its origins on the Welsh Borders.

The troupe's squire, Andy Walters, said the dancing had gone 'very well' on the Saturday, and that the group was looking forward to Sunday's performance.

"It's a great crowd," he said. "And so many of them!"

Mr Walters added that the sunny weather was 'a great help'.

Weymouth residents were equally enthused about the festival. Jenni Fleming, who the previous night had been playing with her ukulele band Wyke Ukedelics at The Boot pub, said the event was 'wonderful'.

"It is just a great opportunity to hear and play some wonderful music," said Ms Fleming, a resident of Wyke Regis. "The organisers do a brilliant job."

Ms Fleming's friends Dave and Mandy Morse, from Rodwell, said they didn't mind the big crowds and loud music on their doorstep. "When the sun shines, everyone smiles. It's lovely," said Mr Morse. "And it's only once a year."

The warm weather and streaming crowds were good news for traders too. Nigel and Kim of Bags and Bits were selling hand-made Nepalese clothes and straw hats, and said business was good.

"Could there be a better spot?" asked Nigel, gesturing to the harbour.

The couple, who live in Wool, revealed that they set up their stall at folk festivals all over the county, and even further afield. "There's a big difference, though, between a street festival like this one on a farm, with tickets," Nigel noted.

The pair added that the Morris dancing had been 'wonderful'.

Simon Tilsteys had come down from his home near Stonehenge in Wiltshire for the weekend."I go to all the festivals, but this is the best, here in Weymouth," he said.