AFTER a wait of three years the lively sound of folk music returned once again to Weymouth.
Wessex Folk Festival was back on Saturday, June 4 and 5 during the Jubilee weekend after a Covid-induced gap.
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The streets of the resort were alive with the sight of colourful morris dance sides moving beyond the traditional quayside festival area to perform in the town, plus there was live music in pubs and on a stage in Hope Square.
WFF committee member Roger Quigley said: "This year it has been at reduced capacity since the last time we held the festival in 2019.
"It's reduced due to the uncertainty that still surrounded the festival in 2021 and at the start of this year."
Nine different sides danced at two sites outside the White Hart in New Bond Street and along the Esplanade opposite the King’s Statue from 11am to 4.45pm on the Saturday. Then on the Sunday, six sides took it in turns to dance at the Sand Jetty by the harbour in Trinity Road.
One of the highlights of the free festival was the Wight Hot Pipes - a six-piece band from the Isle of Wight who performed an exciting bagpipe-driven blend of Celtic, dance and rock music to round off the stage programme in Hope Square on the Sunday.
Mr Quigley added: "Although it's been low-key compared to previous years, it's been great to host it again.
"This year we had bands playing sessions in pubs across Weymouth such as the Belvedere, Sailor's Return and the Old Rooms.
"We've had help from local artists with design props for our mainstage in Hope Square, including Weymouth's Flower Power Ladies.
"Next year, we hope to expand to full capacity again."
Although the Wessex Folk Festival is self-funded, Mr Quigley said the event was sponsored by a range of local businesses including The Galley Bistro, The Red Lion, The Secret Garden Café, The Belvedere, The Sailor's Return, and We Are Weymouth (Weymouth BID).
The Bournemouth-based Murphy’s Lore Trio were amongst the performers.
Also performing on the main stage in Hope Square were The LeftOvers, Amy and The Raven, David Gordon, the Weymouth Ukuleleans, while the Tree Fellahs band led a ceilidh.
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