Wath Festival a feast for fans of folk, rock and fun

Festival fever took over the village for the 47th time over the bank holiday weekend, which saw a packed programme of performances in Montgomery Hall and the surrounding streets and squares.

Wath Morris entertained on their home turf and there were two performances from Harthill Morris, who invited four-year-old Lilly-Jean Swallow to be mascot on the day.

There was maypole dancing, Irish dancing, performances from pupils at Wath schools, Rotherham African Drummers, stalls, crafts and weaving demonstrations.

The packed musical programme in Montgomery Hall included highly-regarded guitarist Martin Simpson, the Melrose Quartert, The Mighty Doonans, Will Pound & Eddie Jay, Sarah McQuaid and Boy on a Dolphin’s John Reilly & Lewis Nikitman.

Long-time Lindisfarne member Rod Clements and former Stealer’s Wheel man Rab Noakes teamed up on Sunday, while Scottish folk-rockers Skerryvore brought proceedings to a rousing close.

Besides the procession to Wath Parish Church, the traditional reading of Thomas Tuke's Will and bread throwing from the church tower, more formal features included a festivall service at the church on Sunday.

Bank Holiday Monday attractions included a traditional ceilidh in the Burlington WMC and  Wath Parish Church with The Doncaster Youth Swing Orchestra.