GOSPORT and Fareham Easter Folk Festival, Ferneham Hall and Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham

THOUSANDS of music fans made the annual pilgrimage to Fareham for another first-class five-day festival.

The opening night presented an early dilemma with the dream pairing of Eddi Reader and Jackie Leven at Ferneham Hall and Lindisfarne over the road at Ashcroft Arts Centre.

I opted for the Ferneham Hall concert and was rewarded with an enthralling set from the mood-inducing Jackie Leven and an equally enjoyable performance by the gifted Eddi Reader, whose soaring voice embellished both her own songs and those of Robbie Burns, which she showcases on her forthcoming album.

Friday night's audience with Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson in the same venue included songs and flute-playing from the charismatic performer and collaborations with local songwriters including Southampton's Richard Hunt.

Afternoon sessions in Ferneham Hall on Friday, Saturday and Monday produced a host of intriguing acts including Wood, Wilson and Carthy, Fianna, Legacy and Cross O'The Hands, while over at the Ashcroft guests on Friday and Saturday included the impressive North Cregg and The Mick West Band.

Saturday night headliners The Saw Doctors got Ferneham Hall rocking.

Sunday night at the venue provided a complete contrast with a committed performance by the intense Martyn Joseph, a man who wears his conscience on his sleeve.

Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, better known as Show Of Hands, followed, their usual masterly instrumentalism seamlessly combining contemporary and traditional styles.

This 12th Easter festival was as good as any I have seen in recent years.