THE Village Pump Folk Festival has become a favourite for folk fans not only in Wiltshire but across the entire UK since its inception in 1974 thanks to its friendly atmosphere and fastidious organisation.

But, more than anything, it’s the music that really keeps people coming back every year, and this year served up an absolute tour-de-force of a line-up with the finest in folk and a handful of names who perhaps wouldn’t usually be labelled as ‘Pump acts.’

Friday evening saw Neville Staple, of Specials fame, take to the Village Pump Stage with his band. Falling into the bracket of performers who might have raised a few eyebrows among the festival’s hard core followers, he delivered a brilliant set which was very well received by all – even the doubters.

Joining him on Friday’s billing were rising folk stars Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin, who also played on the Village Pump Stage, and Mike Scott, who impressed on the slightly smaller White Horse Stage.

Saturday, or ‘Haturday’ as it was affectionately renamed by the festival’s organisers, saw an equally eclectic mix of acts perform on the two main stages.

Dublin-based four-piece Lynched delivered their distinctive vocal harmonies and vast musical repertoire, and Scottish outfit Breabach also kept the crowd on their toes with a polished set.

When respected BBC DJ Steve Lamacq said the Keston Cobblers Club were ‘one of the best new discoveries I have made’, it was a sure-fire sign they were doing something right, and they demonstrated just why they are picking up such praise with a brilliant set as the sun went down.

It was then the turn of headliners The Proclaimers. Needless to say, they rattled through their hits with consummate ease, finishing with the ultimate crowd-pleasing ‘500 Miles’.

Sunday’s weather wasn’t quite as kind as Friday or Saturday but that didn’t dampen spirits as revellers were keen to enjoy the final day of the festival.

Acts such as The Phil Beer Band and Phil Cooper were partly to thank in keeping spirits high before festival closers, Ferocious Dog, took the Village Pump Stage by storm.

The Nottinghamshire band, who fuse folk with punk, closed the weekend in style with a rousing set and had everyone’s full attention throughout.

It's safe to say this year's festival was a storming success.