Leigh Folk Festival, 27th June 2010

Perhaps something else was happening on the day we visited the Leigh Folk Festival, for apart from ourselves, the streets were empty. Strange, in the relentless heat of what could have been a desert sun, to see sage-brush tumbling across the cobbles of the old fishing village.

From the hostelries of the town, though, came noises like the drone of a thousand bees, interspersed with the moans of humans and - just twice - cheers of excitement.

Gradually, people began to appear on the streets. Some were in tears, clutching beer cans and arguing and discussing. Others, though, were in a gay mood, frivolous and chatting, laughing and singing. And such costumes they wore - pretty dresses and skirts, colours and flowers; some even had bells on!

The atmosphere lightened and soon there was music, singing and dancing from every conceivable open space - from the largest car-park to the smallest space by the tables of the eating-houses. Such entertainment there was that day: ballad singers from Teaside, bagpipers from Sarfend, Morris Dancers from Ornchurch - even a Punch and Judy man from Gordnoswhere! And all to welcome us - seven members of the Epping Forest Outdoor Group - to the little town after our epic two mile walk from Hadleigh Castle!

Paul Ferris   30th June 2010