One of the largest celebrations of folk music and dance continues this weekend.

It is the second day of the The Sweeps Festival in Rochester where hundreds of morris dancers from across the country have gathered in the historic town centre.

The weather has been kind for the annual event, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.

There are a variety of folk bands performing including The Singing Loins, Stompin Dave, and The Beard Conspiracy.

Rochester Castle and its surrounding gardens is filled with different performers as well as a fun fair rides, workshops, art and music, and food and drink stalls.

Visit Medway posted online yesterday: “The sun is shining for the first day of Sweeps.

“The bands are warming up and the cocktails from @themixologistrochester are starting to flow, so pop along for a weekend of merriment.”

The Sweeps Festival has been run by Medway Council, alongside festival founder Gordon Newton, since 1981.

Mr Newton said: "Since founding the festival more than 40 years ago, this May Festival celebration has from strength to strength.

"Morris Dancing is currently having a resurgence in popularity. We are proud that we are giving new dancers an opportunity to perform in one of the largest May Festival celebrations of its kind, in the world.”

The festival is a symbol of the beginning of the British summer, which was welcomed by chimney sweeps and Morris dancers.

It was designed to recreate the joy and laughter enjoyed by them on their traditional holiday.

Head of culture and libraries at Medway Council, Paul Cowell, said: "The Rochester Sweeps Festival is brilliantly unique and quirky and is one of the largest gatherings of Morris sides in the world.”

The festival runs until tomorrow (Monday).