Folkies armed with sticks, squeezeboxes and scores of shanties and songs invaded Weybourne for the village's third folk weekend.

Morris dancers, singers and musicians provided more than 20 hours of free entertainment at the Maltings Hotel for folk fans who had travelled from all over Norfolk and beyond, as well as curious villagers and holidaymakers passing by.

Tony Baylis, of Weybourne, who organised the event for the third time with his wife Carmen, said afterwards:

'The weekend exceeded all my expectations. We made a profit of over £200 on the raffles which will all go towards next year's event.

'My thanks go to all the performers who gave their time and support. The Maltings proved to be a great venue and we had a great weekend of good people, good music and good beer - what more can one ask for?'

As well as dance displays by the Lobster Potties, of Sheringham, and Holtridge Morris, of Holt, in the hotel's front car park, the weekend comprised concert sets by Norfolk folk acts Poacher, The Old Wild Rovers, Tim Chipping, and Nelson's Shantymen, as well as Suffolk duo Blarney Roses.

Sunday morning saw a good number of folkies take part in a two-mile local walk, including some unaccompanied songs along the way.

Later on fans were treated to the world debut of a new north Norfolk folk 'supergroup' – the Webbun Winklers – featuring singers and musicians who regularly appear at acoustic sessions at the Maltings held on the third Sunday afternoon each month.

The weekend programme also included a skiffle session led by 'Granfer' Pete Sanpher and some comedy from the Webbun Summer Mummers.

Asked about plans for next year's event Mr Baylis promised the return of a ceilidh for dance fans as part of the programme.

Folk fan Brian Gaudet sampled this year's third Weybourne Folk Weekend.

The 'Webbun' feast of folk was a great success bringing many extra visitors to the attractive coastal village.

And perhaps most importantly it provided a first-class showcase for homegrown singing, musical and dancing talent.

Folk on the Pier, the annual festival held in Cromer, has brought many top national and international acts to north Norfolk over many years.

Now the 'senior' festival has a 'junior' neighbouring event complementing it with a good range of Norfolk talent.

Both are important, and fun, events on the Norfolk entertainments calendar. The new Webbun event deserves plenty of local support and is bound to become an even bigger tourism attraction.

Brian Gaudet