There was dancing in the streets of Chippenham on Saturday to celebrate the return of the town’s folk festival.

A slimmed-down version of the festival featured appearances from 14 Morris-style dance groups and popular folk musicians.

They performed at the first of three events being staged before Christmas in a bid to make up some of the shortfall of funds caused by the pandemic lockdown forcing the cancellation of the festivities for two years.

As it costs between £5,000-£10,000 a year to keep the festival alive even when no events are staged, organisers are working to make up as much as possible, with more fund-raising concerts planned on December 18th and 21st.

The later event, a concert by the famous Albion Christmas Band, is expected to be a sell-out as it is the touring band’s only gig in the South West.

“We were really happy with how this mini festival went,” said organiser Cat Murphy.

She called for more people in the town and further afield to support the carnival of folk music in future.

“I hope people realise how much money can be brought into the town by a festival, it increases footfall considerably and local businesses can benefit,” she added.

Next year’s full-on folk festival will be held between May 27 and 29.

And organisers are looking for volunteers to help stage a wide programme of events.

Those interested in helping out should email info@chippfolk.co.uk