Since 1999, the seaport town of Fishguard has been host to one of Wales' best traditional music festivals, and, with the rising popularity of folk music, Fishguard Folk Festival is now one of the country's best small festivals.

The festival grew from a group of friends having a casual weekend long session when it was suggested ..."I know, why don't we do this again next year, hic! ".

One of the festival's best features is the blur between audience and performers, creating an opportunity to meet the artists, engage in the workshops and master-classes, and soak up an atmosphere which is unique in West Wales.

The daytime performances are ideal for families and quiet enjoyment, while the most unique and frenetic music and dance is to be discovered in the late night pub sessions. The Royal Oak real ales help lubricate the whole proceedings.

International interest in Celtic roots has seen the festival introduce, and attract, Breton, Cornish and Scottish artists alongside the now regular Welsh, Irish and English groups.

Organised by volunteers from the Tuesday night Royal Oak Fishguard Folk session, the festival is non-profit making, and is financed mainly by grants, ticket sales and donations, and as long as they break even, or ...(more usually)... run at a small loss, everybody is happy.

Now why not check out a slideshow of 2008 images from the festival - the weather wasn't kind, but everyone had a good time anyway.