SPIRITS remained high at the Wirral Folk on the Coast Festival – despite audience members and performers braving heavy rain.

The four-day musical celebration – which took place from Thursday to Sunday at the Whitby Sports and Social Club – came to the town for the first time, after outgrowing its Bromborough base.

It was headlined by West End actress and singer Barbara Dickson, who took to the stage on Saturday evening.

Many performances intended for the club grounds – which included song and dance displays and battle reenactments – were moved inside.