Fun in the sun as Sidmouth Folk Festival begins

The crowds were entertained in the Market Place Thursday night with Great Western Morris Dancers from Exeter. Picture: Mark Eburne (Image: Archant)

Now in its 65th year, the festival launched on Friday (August 2) with musical performances throughout the town.

Venues at Blackmore Gardens, The Ham, Bulverton and more will welcome some of the country's top artists this week.

Crowds enjoyed a look around stalls at The Esplanade and in Blackmore Gardens with businesses from across the county setting up shop for the week.

Food vendors were serving up a wide variety of tasty treats from monkfish nuggets at Sidmouth Trawlers to the Sidmouth 'fatberg' burger at The County Kitchen stall on The Esplanade.

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

The County Kitchen, which is based in Seaton, had two young helpers as eight-year-old Harry Teed and his brother Jack were on hand to sell its solar-power produced lemonade.

It is the lemonade stand's first festival and hopes to be the perfect thirst quencher for visitors.

The business uses a solar panel to power the battery to its pump which pours the lemonade.

Jack, 10, said: "People are starting to pour in. We used to come here when we were younger."

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

Mum Kim Reynolds said: "We are trying to make it as environmentally friendly as possible. There is no plastic and we use compostable cups and lids."

Performing on Friday include: Lady Maisery, Banter, The Askew, Sisters, Jeff Warner, Alice Jones, Threepenny Bit, Tautas Roks and Ragged Trousers.

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)

A range of stalls selling crafts, food and other items can be found in Blackmore Gardens. Picture: Clarissa Place (Image: Archant)