WINCHESTER'S famous folk festival hit the streets during the early May bank holiday in 2001.

After having missed a year because of a shortage of volunteers, the popular event returned.

Teams of morris dancers performed while parading throughout the city centre streets all weekend.

Traditionally, covering one’s face with soot was symbolic of poor farmworkers in the 1400s who would disguise themselves so they could beg - an activity that was illegal at the time.

Daily Echo:

Many groups of Morris dancers have changed their face paint from black to blue following concerns over racism.