VISITORS in their droves lapped up folk music of all descriptions at the fourth annual Holmfirth Festival of Folk.
The streets, pubs and concert halls were jam packed as fans battled to catch everything from big names acts to home-grown grass roots talent.
Eliza Carthy lovers filled the Picturedrome on Friday night while organisers had to turn Bellowhead fans away the following night after the award-winning 11-piece sold out the venue.
South African guitarist Tony Cox went down a treat while Celtic rockabilly combo impressed at the Picturedrome on Saturday.
Hamish Currie taught guitarists how to push boundaries with alternative tunings and sampling while folk-rockers Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies and French singer Flossie Malavialle entertained in the town’s pubs.
Holme Valley bred talent took the form of Jack Rutter who wowed audiences at Carniceria on Saturday.
Bread and Butter Theatre kept the crowds amused as did Colonel Custard and his Punch and Judy Show yesterday.
Holmfirth Parish Church added to the fun with a special service by Bishop Tony, music from Sheffield band Outcry and dance with Mons Meg Rapper, from Edinburgh, before a lunchtime concert from One Accord and Sheffield Folk Chorale.
Unfortunately Marsden-born poet Simon Armitage, Roger Davies and Simon’s band The Scaremongers had to cancel due to personal reasons, but organisers said all ticket holders would be refunded.
Cath Ingham, one of the festival’s organisers, said: “It’s gone brilliantly. Bellowhead were magnificent, Saor Patrol and Ruth Notman were fantastic and Tony Cox went down a storm.
“There’s been lots of participation and young people, dancing all over the place. It’s been superb and everyone is having a wonderful time,” she added.
