Thousands enjoy sights and sounds of Whittlesea Straw Bear

The festival sees dozens of molly and morris dancing groups performing across the town, while crowds gather to watch a colourful parade through the centre of Whittlesey.

This year was the 39th Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival, and saw visitors from across the country - and some from further afield - arrive in the fens to take part and watch the traditional event.

The focal point of the parade is the Straw Bear itself - and this year there were three bears marching and dancing through the town.

Alongside the country dancing and the parade, there were also other performing acts, including poetry, acoustic music and story-telling sessions.

Musical acts included BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards nominee Luke Jackson, Vicki Swann and Jonny Dyer.

Saturday finished with the traditional barn dance at Sir Harry Smith Community College, before the burning of the bear on Sunday, nd the Plough Service at St Mary’s Church.