HUNDREDS of fans flocked to the 25th anniversary Swanage Folk Festival - despite the weather.

One of the event organisers, David Blakeley, told the Daily Echo: “There wasn’t quite as much dancing as we’d usually have, because it simply got too wet at times.

“But we had dancing and singing in the rain. Yes, the rain did disrupt it a bit, but not as much as it could have done - we all had a great time.

“I think people will remember it for a long time.”

One of the festival highlights, Saturday’s dance parade from Prince Albert Gardens, drew the crowds.

“It was touch and go for a while, but we went ahead,” said David. “The first part of the parade was dry, but before we got to the end it absolutely bucketed it down.

“So we had a lot of very wet dancers but they didn’t stop, they carried on dancing - that is what Morris Men do, they’re mad like that.”

What started off as a day of dance back in 1992, organised by the local dance team ‘Old Harry Morris’, has evolved into one of the busiest weekends in the town’s calendar.

This year’s event, held from September 8-10, included performances by the Canadian band Le Vent du Nord, supported by the award-winning acts Flats and Sharps, and Hattie Briggs.

Nancy Kerr and the Sweet Visitor Band also played the festival.

Nancy is one of the most celebrated folk musicians of her generation and has won six BBC Radio Folk Awards with her unique interpretation of traditional songs.

A host of other concerts and performances took place throughout the three-day festival.

Festival spokesman Stephen Parker said: “Once again, the heart of the festival was the craft fair and music marquee.”