HUNDREDS of folk music lovers attended the fourth Oxford Folk Festival at the weekend.

Organisers said the festival, which used the town hall in St Aldate's as its main venue, had been a great success.

Tim Healey, festival director, said: "It has been absolutely fantastic."

In total, 34 acts, including Salsa Celtica, Eliza Carthy and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, performed 45 shows in 12 venues spread over three days.

Venues across the city were used, including the Holywell Music Room, Emperor Ballroom in Cowley, Jacqueline Du Pré Building and Oxford Castle.

Local talent on show included festival regulars, John Spiers and Jon Boden, fresh-faced 16-year-old guitar protégé Wilbur, and Rafael, the flamenco maestro.

In addition to the musical performances, there was a street parade, workshops, ceilidh dancing, children's activities and pub sessions.