THOUSANDS of people have lined the streets and seafront of Swanage for the annual folk music event.

Shopkeepers leaned out of the doors, residents peered through windows and tourists clapped on the pavements as hundreds of brightly coloured dancers paraded along the high street for Swanage Folk Fest.

 

See all our pictures from Swanage Folk Festival in a gallery

Morris dancers, belly dancers and even a beautiful fabric boat made with pieces of ribbon were part of the procession leading towards the Festival Village, where stalls and a beer tent are set up to entertain the public.

 

 

Organiser Steve Parker said the event had been held annually over the past 20 years to add something to the town.

"Originally it started as a event just for Morris dancers and slowly it grew into a festival.

"There is also a craft fair, workshops, concerts in the tents, and a folk festival church service tomorrow (Sunday) in St Mary's Church.

"We are very pleased with the turn-out so far this year and look forward to this evening and then tomorrow."