A two-day party that just keeps getting better

This weekend's event has been sold out since the first week in March - and some have already put their names down for the next one.

Taking place in venues across the village on Friday and Saturday, both locals and visitors enjoyed the two-day party.

Highlights from this year's festival included award-winning folk singer Kate Rusby, who headlined the Main Stage on Friday, and crowd pleasers CoCo and the Butterfields, who were a huge hit in 2015 and returned to top the bill on Saturday night.

Others included the Luke Jackson Trio, The Changing Room, The Jar Family and The swing Commanders.

Spectators were also blown away by performances from the Ireby and Carlisle Folk Ensemble, a group of 24 children aged six to 17.

Festival director Charles Devlin said Ireby has a lot more to offer than many realise, which is why people keep coming back.

"There's such a huge variety of music. It's often listed as a folk festival but it isn't. There's a whole range," he said.

"We wanted to involve more young people, and as a result we get parents along who have never been to a music festival before.

"We also give free tickets to children from Ireby School, but the rule is they have to bring a parent or grandparent."

Mr Devlin said the glorious weather added to the atmosphere, and the extended camping area also made a difference.

"We say this every year but it just gets better. The weather has been brilliant. The field was like one huge picnic," he added.

"Afterwards, I got a lovely email from someone in Whitehaven, saying they had no idea there was such a festival in Cumbria."

People are already asking to reserve tickets for next year - even though the organisers have yet to decide it will continue.

"We always have a meeting in July to discuss it. It's a lot of work. 

"We have a brilliant team of helpers and it wouldn't work without them. 

"But the will is definitely there. I've a pretty good idea we will be doing something next year," he added.