FOLK musicians wearing floral headbands continue to enchant crowds at Towersey Festival, which will close today with a lantern parade.

The eclectic family bonanza has brought some of the genre's favourite stars to the village near Thame, where crowds clapped along to live tunes by Billy Bragg and Kate Rusby as acts got underway on Friday.

Entertainers including hoola hooper Jessi O'Toole, pictured, were also found floating around the fields at the weekend while families took a break from the music tents.

Emilia Crocker-Griffiths, nine, was among the young festival-goers enjoying the event's extended children's programme this year.

She said: "There was a ukelele group for kids where you could learn even if you are a complete beginner. It was really fun, the songs were all based on food. I have come every year since I've been born and my parents came even before that. I really enjoy the activities and the dancing."

She and her dad Mark travelled from their home in Hackney to join the festivities this year.

Mr Griffiths, 47, added: "It's fantastic, the activities for Emilia have been great. There were craft things and clay modelling and dancing. It's so family-oriented."

This year Towersey introduced a section of the programme called All About Children, which promised a range of activities and workshops especially designed for children aged five to 11, including den-building and wildlife habitat exploration.

Campers have been kept happy with snack stalls and food vans stocked with stone-backed pizzas and Mexican street food, with drinks stalls including a wine bar and a real ale bar featuring more than 35 types.

This evening will mark the close of the event's 52nd year with a performance from The Young'uns followed by a spectacular ceremony.

Festival director Joe Heap said revellers can expect a lantern parade accompanied by the 30-plus members of the Conservatoire Folk Ensemble.