FOLK fans young and old enjoyed music, dancing and other activities in the surroundings of one of Newport's most historic locations over the weekend.

The 27th annual Tredegar House Folk Festival has seen hundreds of colourful performers show off their skills in he grounds of the 17th century mansion over the three-day event, which started on Friday, May 6.

Musical performers included Cardiff folk outfit Calan, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Lowri Evans, Cornish band Flats and Sharps and the Celtic-themed Morfa while dancers from the Ukraine, Sweden and across the world wowed with their energetic shows.

Apart from one sustained and torrential downpour on Saturday afternoon the sun shone down, with ice cream sellers and the obligatory real ale bar doing a roaring trade.

Speaking on Saturday, the festival's chairwoman Sue Oates said she was delighted with how well the event was going.

"The weather really brings the people out," she said.

"But it's been fantastic so far. You never know with May - it's a funny month."

She added it was difficult to say how numbers compared with previous years, but would not be surprised if there were more due to the nice weather.

"We've got guests from Sweden and the Ukraine, as well as people from all over the UK," she said.

"There's morris dancers, clog dancers, appalachian dancers, live music and we've got children's entertainment too."

Audiences enjoyed a colourful procession of dancers and musicians in on Saturday afternoon, while bands and solo artists put on shows.

As well as the performances there were a number of craft stalls and other activities as part of the event.

Pete Grassly of Coventry, who restores and sells vintage musical instruments, was one of the exhibitors, and said a lot of people had stopped to have a look and a play with his wares.

"This is the sixth festival I've done this year," he said.

"I started in Auckland in New Zealand.

"I've had a good response from people. I did very nicely here last year."

For more information visit tredegarhousefestival.org.uk.