Musicians, lights, sound, an audience and space - these were all the ingredients needed for a socially-distanced and successful edition of Ely Folk Festival.

Coronavirus-vaccine--45-9-million-receive-a-first-doseMoving the festival to outdoor stages and providing the audience with socially distanced boxes marked on the grass did not dampen spirits and the festival vibe was present.

After a year of limited access to live music and festivals, there was a tangible excitement in the air on Friday evening as the acts took to the stage.

Cambs Times: The audience and dogs at Ely Folk Festival 2021The audience and dogs at Ely Folk Festival 2021 (Image: Andrew Moore)

The high octane sounds of Merry Hell and Blackbeard’s Tea Party had the audience on their feet dancing along.

On Saturday, Rodney Branigan enthralled the audience with his soulful blues.

Later, The Young’uns effortlessly blended their humor with stunning harmonies and songs about social issues.

Cambs Times: Coton Morris performing at Ely Folk Festival 2021Coton Morris performing at Ely Folk Festival 2021 (Image: Andrew Moore)

Noble Jacks provided a storming end to the day’s concerts on stage one.

Meanwhile, on stage two, the audience listened to the mellow sounds of the Carrivick Sisters bathed in the setting sunlight.

Those who chose folk over football on Sunday evening possibly made the better choice and enjoyed stellar performances from troubadour Martyn Joseph and cajun band Elvis Fontenot.

Cambs Times: The crowd at Ely Folk Festival 2021The crowd at Ely Folk Festival 2021 (Image: Andrew Moore)

British supremos Show of Hands closed the festival with a performance of old favourites and newly-penned numbers.

Soon after, a contented crowd made their way home from the first major weekend music festival of 2021.

The festival had a real buzz to it, with informal music sessions popping up around the festival site.

Cambs Times: British supremos Show of Hands closed Ely Folk Festival 2021 with a performance of old favourites and newly penned numbers.British supremos Show of Hands closed Ely Folk Festival 2021 with a performance of old favourites and newly penned numbers. (Image: Andrew Moore)

Younger festival visitors meanwhile paraded around the site in the costumes they had made in the craft corner.

Last minute changes to the line-up caused by Covid restrictions did not affect the quality of music over the weekend.

Fionnuala Lennon, from the festival organising committee, said: ’We are so happy all went off well and that it was a successful weekend.

Cambs Times: The Carivick Sisters at Ely Folk Festival 2021The Carivick Sisters at Ely Folk Festival 2021 (Image: ANDREW MOORE)

"It has taken a huge amount of energy and hard work to put the 2021 festival together.

"But the reaction from our visitors has been wonderful, and made all that hard work worthwhile.

"We’re already looking forward to the 2022 festival."