FOLK fever hit Winchester as the city's popular folk festival returned in glorious technicolour.

The festival was cancelled last year and organisers feared it would never be held again due to a lack of volunteers.

However, help was found and morris dancers, music, processions, showcases, performers, concerts, workshops and ceilidhs filled Winchester with all things folk to celebrate the festival's 30th birthday.

Richard Brecknock, a director of the festival and a name on the folk circuit himself, said: "We thought that the city had lost its link to the folk scene when the festival took a break last year but we are delighted that many in the community came forward to organise a wonderful 30th birthday celebration."

Youngsters from the Winnall Rock School opened the festival on Friday night.

Their performance gave way to a weekend featuring, among others, Irish band Danu, musicians Roy Bailey and John Kirk-patrick, bands Dr Faustus, The Bismarcks, Colcannon, folk duos Kevin Dempsey and Joe Broughton, Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer, Luke Plumb and Simon Bradley and many other hugely popular acts.

On Saturday the city was filled with a vibrant display of folk music, singing, morris dancing and a procession from the Guildhall to the Cathedral where workshops and children's activities ran through the afternoon.

The festival concluded with Sunday's dance, singing and instrumental workshops and a showcase featuring a host of musicians.

Funding for the folk festival came from Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, the LOOP Environ-mental Networks and the Folk Association of Southern Hampshire.