THE 30th Wimborne Folk Festival went off with a bang as crowds joined together for fun in the sun.

The town’s militia fired shots as they and mayor Terry Wheeler led the colourful and noisy main procession on Saturday through streets lined with people.

Around 45 dance troupes from across the country took part, along with the Bournemouth Gugge 2000 band, Wimborne First School and Pamphill First School.

Founder Brian Bisp led the way, and said he was pleased with the street-party vibe.

“Having the High Street a bit messed up because of last year’s fire has been a shame,” he said.

“But the community has come closer together to make it happen.”

Wife Maria estimated 20,000 people were browsing the stalls.

“Everything’s gone to plan,” she said. “The weather’s been absolutely lovely and all the teams have enjoyed themselves.

“We’ve had a really good response.”

One-year-old Molly Kuhme, from Bournemouth, was jiving away to the Appalachian dancers in the Corn Market.

Mum Snow said: “It’s great to come along and soak up the atmosphere.

“I knew she’d love the jingle of the dancers jigging.

“We’ve also been sampling the gorgeous food, it’s fantastic too.”

It was Worcestershire Foxes Morris dancer Andrew Barlow’s third year, performing four half-hour shows in black face paint and coloured tassels.

“We really love it here,” he said. “It’s all about having a good time and shaking your stuff.”

The White Hart’s door supervisor, Simon Webster, said fears of drunken disorder had not materialised.

“We’ve had no trouble,” he said. “Just a few kids trying to get in under age – that’s it.”

“Everyone’s been really happy, and just been enjoying themselves.

“With CCTV, talking to the Police and other pubs, we’ve got it covered.”

The event was held over three days from Friday to Sunday.