While stormy weather skirted around the festival site at Stuntney Estate, nothing dampened the spirit and enthusiasm of the festival-goers at Ely Folk Festival 2023.
The festival served up a smorgasbord of folk and roots music across its three stages.
Friday night’s offerings included the anarchic Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican who rocked the audience with their humorous lyrics and antics, folk-pop legend Gerry Colvin, and a late night ceilidh with local band Catch the Pigeon.
Saturday saw the joyous and colourful morris dance parade wind its way around the streets of Ely while, over on the festival site, Katie Spencer, Paper Sparrows, Blackbeard’s Tea Party and folk-punk band Ferocious Dog played to an enthralled audience.
The music didn’t let up on Sunday either, with The Willows, The Finn Collinson Band and Edward II delighting the crowds who seemed reluctant to leave after a weekend of great music.
Even the Mayor of Ely, Cllr Chris Philips, and his mayoress, Mary Rone, popped in for a wander around the festival site and to award a prize for the most imaginative costume in the children's parade.
One of the festival organisers, Fionnuala Lennon, said: "It was a magnificent weekend.
"Great music, great audience, and a wonderful time had by all."
Now, Fionnuala and festival team are preparing for Ely Folk Festival 2024, which takes place from July 12-14.
Acts already booked include Eddi Reader, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, Nick Parker, an Guise.
There will also be morris displays, a real ale bar, trade stalls, workshops, dances and children's entertainment.
Early bird tickets are already available for next year's festival, with weekend tickets starting at £105.
You can book online via www.elyfolkfestival.co.uk
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