THE chairman of the annual three-day Dartmoor Folk Festival has reported that the 22nd event, held in South Zeal in August, was a 'record year.'
Jason Rice, of Copplestone, told members of the Festival Association: 'This was my first 12 months as chairman and it has been very busy. The festival is in good shape and we had a record year.
'Our financial position is strong and this has been mostly due to the hard work of the officers of the association and volunteer helpers during the weekend.'
He said they were grateful to the Dartmoor Pixie band who had run a number of support dances during the year and new fundraising events included a quiz night and a concert by The Yetties in April.
'The weekend ran very smoothly and we were greatly helped by the Okehampton Army Training Corps who helped moved chairs and other items,' he said.
'There have been very positive responses from members of the public who attended the event and I think the festival made more of an impact than the eclipse.'
It was back in 1978 that local musician Bob Cann had the idea that he would like to start his own festival to help revive and preserve the traditions of Dartmoor and in particular the traditional music, dance, song and crafts of the area.
The first three festivals were held in the grounds of Wood Country House near South Tawton until 1981 when it moved to its present location in South Zeal.
Over the years the festival has grown, making it possible to invite a high standard of folk artists from near and far, while maintaining its reputation for being a friendly, traditional event.
Preparations for this year's festival on August 11,12 and 13 are already underway.
After electing officers for 2000, the association welcomed Pauline Baker, of the Kings Arms, South Zeal as a new member.