THOUSANDS of music fans soaked up the sunshine and the stellar sounds at the third annual Folk on the Quay event, which once again drew the crowds to Poole.

The two-day festival saw 25 acts play over five stages, as well as many fringe events in the local pubs and restaurants.

Colourful morris dancing displays also added to the fun over the course of the weekend with more than 25 dance groups performing, as well as the chance to Ceilidh on the Quay.

See all of our pictures in our gallery here.

Acts taking to the stage included Australia's Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson, who headlined on Saturday, five-piece folk/pop/indie ensemble The Bonsai Pirates, and BBC Young Folk Award finalists Jaywalkers.

The lively local music scene was also well-represented by acts such as Djambo, Instant Karma, Wikkaman and Quinns Quinney flying the flag for Dorset talent.

The tunes had people up and dancing the days away as families and fans young and old found plenty to enjoy.

The free family folk festival is thought to have brought in some 10,000 visitors over the course of the weekend - making it another huge success for Poole Tourism, who developed the event with folk event music organisers Paul and Catherine Burke.

Poole tourism manager Graham Richardson said one of the highlights was the parade of all the dance groups along the quay.

He added: "Everyone has really enjoyed themselves - there's been lots of music, lots of dancing, good crowds and a really relaxed atmosphere. It's a real feel good festival."

The event was sponsored by Volvo Cars Poole and supported by the Quay pubs and businesses