Leigh Folk Festival returns this weekend for the 34th year

As the UK's largest free folk festival, the weekend will feature a variety of performances across upper and lower stages, set to the backdrop of Leigh Library Gardens.

Live music, dance performances and family friendly fun including a magician, face-painting and activity workshops will occur across Saturday and Sunday.

This is the 34th year of the festival, which is organised by Leigh Folk Arts - a regional community charity focused on enabling young artists and talent.

Performers - Stages have held great performances in Leigh Library Gardens over the years. (Image: Gaz de Vere) John Batch, Leigh Folk Arts Treasurer, said: "Our ethos is about supporting young artists in their careers, and I hope to see people get behind it this weekend.

"I'm looking forward to the music, particularly the In Sea performance that brings musicians together to play in unique and interesting ways.

"Not to mention a whole day of traditional and international dance activities."

Celebration - Past performances at the festival. (Image: Deana Lawman)

Mr Batch, who has been involved with the festival since 2017, described a £5 minimum donation for all visitors this weekend as a way to "enable the event to continue."

He added: "I would like to thank our volunteers who help make the event possible."

Many Leigh based businesses are involved, including a range of food and drink vendors, alongside Leigh on Sea Breweries and Leigh Spirit Company working out of three bars across the venue. 

Events such as an open mic, spoken word and activity workshops will expand beyond the gardens, touching St Clement's Church, Café Bar Hogar Del Mar and The Broadway pub.

Crowds - Leigh Folk Festival brings in big crowds year on year. (Image: Gaz de Vere) John described the event as "a community of musicians coming together and showcases local acts from Essex, focusing on local arts - this is a community event first."

Storytelling - One of the storytelling sessions in the woods from previous years. (Image: Sean Buckley)

The Leigh Folk Festival welcomes residents for a prelude on the evenings of Thursday and Friday, to get a taste of the weekend to come.

Thursday's events include poetry by candlelight at the Moonraker in Westcliff, while Friday eveing will feature storytelling at St Clement's Church.

For more information on what to expect from Leigh Folk Festival, including the line-up of performers, visit: leighfolkfestival.com.