Think of the Sidmouth Folk Festival, and the first image to mind is probably of the flamboyant dancers seen around the town throughout the week.

Love them or laugh at them (they don't mind), the colour and energy the varied dance sides and teams bring with them is exhilarating, and their percussive footwork and drumming becomes the heartbeat of the festival.

(Image: Paul Strange)

Wander along the promenade at any time of day, and you'll soon be captivated by the whirling dancers in their colourful costumes and may even be invited to join in! Look out for Herbaceous Border Morris with their flowery headgear, who love nothing better than initiating newbies – they even bring spare jackets and sticks so you can really look the part.

If you get hooked, there are free ceilidhs every lunchtime at the Anchor Inn, and daily workshops where you can learn many styles of traditional dance, from Appalachian to Zulu. Unleash your inner Riverdancer at the Irish Set Dance workshops or live out your Bollywood fantasies at the Bhangra classes, the choice is yours – Bridgerton fans can even master Regency dance in time for a grand Regency Ball on Monday evening!

Not feeling energetic? Then simply sit back and watch – a free Dance Spectacular is held every afternoon in either Blackmore Gardens or Connaught Gardens showcasing dances from around Britain and further afield. Surprise and delight guaranteed! For details of classes and performances, download the Festival programme at sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk.