The three-day event included morris dancers, storytelling, traditional music and crafts and even political reminiscences.

Music was performed in pubs and on stages around the town, but the festival took to the streets for its annual morris parade on Saturday afternoon.

Festival director Dick Dixon has been involved with the event since it began with a single concert and folk dancing session 29 years ago.

He paid tribute to the way Warwick people and businesses welcomed the folk music community.

Mr Dixon said: "The town itself had a great flavour for the festival. The local community had some great spin-off activities.

"The weather brings people out. The ethos of the festival is to get a good cross section of the community involved.

"We bring a wonderful weekend of music and dance and families, young people, teenagers and old greys enjoyed it and came together for a great weekend."

Among the bands performing were Leamington duo Nizlopi, who played in a free concert in Market Place on Sunday evening.

The weekend also included appearances by Mercury Prize nominees Rachel Unthank and The Winterset and folk-rock veterans Oysterband.

But Mr Dixon said his favourite performances were by award-winning 11-piece folk band Bellowhead and former Labour politician Tony Benn.
Other events included music and dance workshops, 'singarounds', music sessions and children's entertainment.

Mr Dixon thanked everyone who had helped and attended the festvial and promised even better entertainment next year to celebrate the festival's 30th anniversary.

He added: "We are going to do something really special for next year and are looking at bringing some of our old favourite acts back."

* See this week's Courier reviews for a full round-up.