Shrewsbury Folk Festival proves a hit

Monday 29th August 2011, 11:30AM BST.

Caroline Herring

About 6,500 fans were due to stream away from Shrewsbury Folk Festival today following an event dubbed the biggest and best in its history.

The final sets of the four-day musical bonanza were taking place at the County Showground this afternoon and evening, with Calan, Breabach, Johnny Dickinson and Oysterband lining up.

Click on the image on the right to see more pictures.

Many performers who starred during the weekend described themselves “amazed” by the size and quality of the event.

Martyn Joseph, who played to a capacity crowd on Saturday night, said his performance was one of the most memorable gigs in his 30-year career.

The Sweetback Sisters, who flew in from America to play their first gig in the UK, said they were disappointed that they had to leave the site following their set on Sunday – rather than stick around to watch other bands. They added that they had loved playing the “amazing” event.

Steve Knightly, from the award-winning Show of Hands, said the festival was the best folk celebration in the UK and was later announced as its new co-patron – to rapturous applause by fans.

And other bands and performers, including Sunday headliners The Imagined Village, thanked the crowd for making their shows so memorable.

Festival spokeswoman Jo Cunningham, said: “It’s been an incredible event. We had very high expectations for an amazing weekend, but it’s easily surpassed those.

“The atmosphere on site has been electric, people have really got on well, they’ve embraced all that’s good about Shrewsbury Folk Festival. It’s been a truly exceptional event. We’re grateful to our performers, fans and volunteers for making it such fun.”

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