A FEW showers of rain did not dampen the spirits of the crowds of people who attended the 34th Dartmoor Folk Festival at South Zeal last weekend.

Visitors from far and near went along to see some of the top names in the folk world performing alongside the very best local musicians and singers.

Many events were full-to-capacity — festival secretary, Jane White, said: 'It all went smoothly with no glitches. It was a great weekend and the odd showers didn't hinder the programme.

'We transferred the Sunday afternoon arena displays under cover in the huge marquee, which was fine. Everything else went ahead as planned.

'Crowds of people came along and I have had some really great feedback. People have said how they had a good time, which is nice.'

Nina Hansell, who attended the festival with her family, from Oxfordshire, said it was 'one of the friendliest festivals on the circuit'.

Her son Albert paid particular praise to the children's festival element, which runs throughout the weekend under the direction of Okehampton-based youth tutor and entertainer, Rob Pudner.

Amusing musicians Paul Hutchinson and Paul Sartin of Belshazzar's Feast kicked off the event with a gig for hundreds of people in the huge marquee at the village playing fields, where the festival was centred.

The hugely-acclaimed Dartmoor Pixie Band, formed by the late founder of the festival, Bob Cann BEM, also helped get the festival off to a flying start on the Friday evening.

The official opening was by BBC Radio Devon personality, Matt Woodley.

The weekend included a packed programme of concerts, a ramble on Dartmoor, a ceilidh, folk service, craft displays, dances, a Dartmoor Fayre, pub sessions and music, song and dance workshops.

There were record entries in the Dartmoor Broom Dance championships and more than 40 primary school children attended a workshop to learn the dance steps.

Championship winner was Emilia Bazeley (nine), from South Zeal. Second was Emily Rowlands (ten), from Sticklepath, Okehampton and joint third were Katie Jecks (eleven) and Molly Marvin (ten), both from South Zeal.

Winner of the Dartmoor Stepdance championships was Matt Norman, from Exeter, who last won the title three years ago.

The stepdance championships involve dancers trying to outstep one another on a 15-inch square board on an old hay wagon.

Junior stepdance champion was Matthew Stoner (12) from South Zeal, who was the junior winner last year.

The festival featured many dance teams and local folk band, 'The Ramsley Miners', which includes Thomas and Charlie White, great-grandsons of Bob Cann, which played in the grand music hall at the end of the festival.

Other celebrated folk artists included The Jackie Oates Band, Tyde, The Watch, Will Noble and John Cocking, Andy Clarke and Steve Tyler, Issy and David Emeney, and Unstrung Heroes.

Celebrated local artists included The Dartmoor Pixie Band, Tony Beard (The Wag from Widecombe), Dave Wills and Rob Pudner.

Dartmoor Folk Festival chairman, Jason Rice, said that it had been a 'magnificent weekend.

'I would like to thank not only the sponsors and all those who support the festival by coming along, but the people of South Zeal who see much more traffic and lots more people in the village for the three days of the festival.

"I hope they appreciate how the festival provides a real boost to the local economy, with shops, pubs, bed and breakfast accommodation and others all really busy.

'So many people contribute to making it a success so thank you to you all.'

Plans are already being made for next year's 35th anniversary festival from August 10 to 12, 2012.