ATTENDANCE at Bromyard Folk Festival, which last year suffered as a result of the fuel crisis, was down again this year

Organiser Annie Jones said numbers were down because of a delay in event confirmation due to the foot and mouth crisis.

She said: "Usually we have an influx of about 2,000 people into Bromyard, including ticket sales and artists, stewards and all the rest of it and there are a lot of people who go to the pubs in Bromyard. This year numbers were definitely down.

"If we make any money, which we won't have done this year, it goes back in to balance the lean years. The festival is a non-profit making charity and any money that's made is ploughed back in to improve the site or whatever.

"We have made money in the past and we have a little bit to fall back on. We did have a grant from the Bromyard and Winslow Town Council this year and last, for which we are very grateful."

The now traditional festival began in 1968, organised by Annie's late husband Dave.

She added: "My husband started this when there was a big folk revival in 1968 with budget of £120 and it very quickly grew to what it is now.

"After he died in 1991, I have carried on running it and now we have expanded our committee so that there are four people involved. We couldn't do without the help of several hundred people who support us, like the stewards and morris men."

Several sides of Morris dancers, including Silurian from Ledbury, trilled through the town at various intervals, beginning with the Friday evening parade at 9pm.

Most weekend ticket holders camped, many staying on for the new Sunday night concert.

Next year's festival has been booked for the weekend of September 13, 14 and 15.

l There was fun for everyone at this year's Bromyard Folk Festival.

Picture: James Watkins 38417902