SLIDESHOW: Thousands flock to folk festival
THOUSANDS of people came together to witness the spectacle of this year's Cleckheaton Folk Festival, with music, dancing, costumes and endless hours of fun.
The 22nd festival attracted fans from Australia, Canada and all across the UK as folkies descended on Cleckheaton to witness one of the most spectacular events to date.
The fun started with a special concert on Friday evening and kicked into top gear on Saturday, with clear skies giving the green light for an elaborate street parade. Participants were dressed in Victorian costumes for the march proving quite the spectacle for enthralled onlookers.
Festival director David Minich said: "Planning this whole thing has been a learning curve but it's safe to say that the 'L' plates are now off! The whole weekend exceeded my expectations because everything went according to plan.
"There were over 100 hours of entertainment across the town. There were 170 dancers and musicians performing and that's not including the acts that weren't in the official programme."
Pubs were converted into intimate venues, including the Rose and Crown and Wickham Arms that served as official 'sing around' – where songs were passed around circles of people, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
Janice Matthews, landlady of the Rose and Crown pub, said: "The sing-around was a really good laugh and we had so many people sitting inside and out. Everyone looked like they were having a really good time."
The Commercial pub and the Talbot were used as artiste venues, with small gigs being played to intimate crowds, and The Marsh and the West End also hosted performances.
The town hall hosted a free ceilidh on Saturday which brought in people from around the town including families with children.
The streets of Cleckheaton were lined with stalls including the popular Italian Market, selling breads, olives, wine and cheese. The best local produce was also on offer at the Farmers' Market and there was a craft market at the Central Methdist Church.
Families were catered for with street performers including face painting, games and a Punch and Judy show on Saturday and there was a family fun day on Savoy Square on Sunday.
The festival also provided an opportunity for new, or unsigned artists to get their name recognised with the hiring fair – the winner Mick McGarry wowed judges enough to be given a slot on next year's bill.
David added: "The festival couldn't go on without the contribution of the volunteers - this year there were 85 volunteer stewards. It was a fantastic weekend."
Plans are already in place for 2010 with David and the rest of the festival committee keen not to rest on their laurels.
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Weather for Cleckheaton
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
