THOUSANDS of revellers filled Upton’s streets the streets of Upton with colour and sound as they enjoyed the town’s 22nd annual Folk Festival.

An impressive array of local and national talent performed in a variety of free and ticketed events from Thursday, April 28 until Monday, May 2.

Organiser Richard Hannah said the event was “superb”.

“Every aspect of it was top rate,” he said. “I never say that it was the best one ever but this was certainly one of the most successful.

“The weather was superb, the numbers were the best that we have ever had and the artists were fantastic. The morris dancers were exemplary and the help we had from the town and everyone involved was exemplary.”

Mr Hannah said new attractions for this year, including a sword dance arena and the world’s first “ukulele ceilidh” proved extremely popular.

He also reserved special praise for young performing groups Folk Frenzy and the Heage Windmillers, as well as local father-and-son pairing the Deadmoney Duo.

A “hiring fair” where anyone could perform and essentially audition for next year’s festival was also hailed as a big success.

“As ever my thanks go to all the committee, the people of Upton and everyone else involved in making this a fantastic event,” Mr Hannah added.