ALLEN Valleys Folk Festival delighted crowds when it returned last weekend.

The festival, one of the highlights of the North East's music calendar, engaged the whole community with eight venues hosting a variety of music, dance, and workshops from Friday, September 23 until Sunday, September 25.

For many, the iconic burning of the legendary Allendale Wolf is the highlight of the festival, and this year was no exception.

The wolf was delivered in a boat aptly named HMS Boaty McFolkface and was burnt to a soundscape of howling, drumming and a lone mournful trumpet.

The sculpture was designed and built by Jonah Maurice, Ashley Hipkin and Bill Pierce.

Crowds gathered outside Allendale's pubs with spontaneous music sessions going on until the early hours.

Jonny Burns, of the Golden Lion, said: "Allen Valleys Folk Festival injects a much-needed boost to trade as we move into the Autumn."

Festival chairman Peter Aldcroft said musically, this year's festival was "more diverse than ever", with artists travelling from Scotland, Liverpool, London and Toulouse in France, performing alongside musicians from Tyneside and Northumberland.

This year's line-up included Tiwiza and Balkan Hot Club. Other acts included folk duo The Rheingans Sisters and Talisk, one of Scotland’s most popular folk groups.

Regular festivalgoer Michael Porritt said: "I must give particular mention to the incredible acoustics of St Cuthbert’s, which perfectly showcased the mesmerising skills of The Rheingans Sisters."

The church stage was recently re-named 'The David Crellin Stage' in honour of one of the founders of the festival who died of Motor Neurone Disease in March.

Michael added: "Just when we thought the best of the music, and our energy, was gone, along came Talisk on Sunday afternoon to really raise the roof with a spectacularly energetic and talented performance. Not dancing was not an option!"

The Allen Valleys Folk Festival was first established in 2014.