FOLK lovers flocked to the Wiltshire Music Centre for the inaugural Climate Aid Folk Festival on Sunday, showcasing some of the country’s best folk artists.

Hundreds of people descended on the Bradford on Avon venue, compered by BBC Radio 3’s Verity Sharp, with award winning headliners such as Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin, Pete Flood and Sam Sweeney.

Mrs Sharp said; "It was an empowering event. Hearing about the work being done both locally and globally in the face of climate change whilst listening to music celebrating the natural world, was an inspired idea. It was a joy to be part of."

The occasion also celebrated the 10th anniversary Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon (CFBOA), with the proceeds of the day going to Water Aid and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

“We have been very excited about performing here for a while now. The organiser, Iona Hassan, must be a superwoman for getting such a fantastic line-up,” said BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ best duo (2014) Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin.

“We thought to ourselves, ‘We’d better get practising as they could make us look bad’. It was lovely to see a big range of ages here too, especially the kids as they are the most important people to take on the climate change challenge.”

This festival, which has been planned since January, was made possible thanks to the efforts of Wiltshire and Swindon Climate Action Network’s Iona Hassan.

“It was a brilliant success. I loved it and it seemed others did too,” she said. “We wanted to highlight this crucial issue but in a positive light. It was a real team effort and hopefully we can do something similar again.”

Further folk performances came from Massed Youth Climate Choir and other local acts, as well as guests perusing many stalls, displays and enjoying activities and a barbecue.

CFBOA member Jane Laurie, who helped with event logistics, said: “Sometimes the words ‘climate change’ are linked with doom and gloom but we wanted to have an upbeat, positive day with some first class music.

“This effort is part of a countywide, climate friendly initiative and also to celebrate our 10th anniversary and it has been a very good birthday at that.”

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust chief executive Gary Mantle said: “This is a wonderful collaboration of environmentally active groups and musicians helping to share the message that positive steps have been made to protect our planet and local groups can play a part in that too. We are number two in the country in terms of using solar energy and that is fantastic.”

Yirdbards lead singer Paul Darby said: “You have brilliant singers, a carnival-like atmosphere and a great message – what could be better?”

Peter Andrews, of Bath and West Community Energy, said: “We provide a reasonable investment return, a benefit to the community and more climate-friendly energy saving initiatives.”