THE Leigh Folk Festival – the largest free event of its kind in the UK – proved to be bigger and better than ever.

Headliners included Mike Heron and Trembling Bells, She’Koyokh, Danny and the Champions of the World, and Stick in the Wheel.

More than 200 performers took to the stage for the the 23rd annual celebration of music, film, poetry, comedy and dance.

There was something on offer for the whole family, with a jam-packed programme of storytelling, theatre performances and singing workshops.

The fun started on Friday with an intimate gig in the Fishermen’s Chapel, New Road.

The entertainment was centered in and around Leigh Library Gardens and the Broadway on Saturday before spilling onto the streets of Old Leigh yesterday.

The entertainment and food drew inspiration from across the world, ranging from traditional Turkish music to a stall selling Caribbean cuisine.

Mike Bromfield, one of the team of volunteers dubbed the Folk Festival Army, said the event had attracted visitors from across the UK and performers had travelled from America and Australia.

Mr Bromfield said: “It has been absolutely brilliant.

“This year we had a real international contingency. As a free festival, we have really grown over the past 23 years.

“The event is about fun for everyone, from the people who come along to watch, the performers, right through to the hundreds of volunteers.”

  • See all of the pictures from Leigh Folk Festival here