Thunderstorms and heavy bursts of rain failed to dampen the spirits of more than four thousand people who descended on Somerleyton Hall for the first FolkEast music festival.

Leading singer-song writers, world musicians and weird and wonderful acts greeted festival-goers for three days of fun from Friday through till Sunday.

During a Summer where festivals have been tainted by temperamental weather, organisers hailed FolkEast a success and promised to bring the event back to the country estate next year.

Co-producer of the FolkEast festival, John Marshall-Potter, said: 'I have to say that it has not gone badly at all for its first outing.

'The weather has been a drag but it hasn't dampened spirits – even during the storm on Saturday. But in all, the atmosphere has been absolutely brilliant, and it is certainly the first of many to come.'

Festival-goers had the chance to camp throughout the three-day event, which included four stages – the Main Arena, Kayam Tent, Club Uniquity Tent, and Soapbox Stage– as well as street entertainment, workshops, demonstrations, storytelling and crafts.

But one of the most popular aspects of the event was the display of The Lone Twin Boat Project. The 30ft vessel, entitled 'The Collective Spirit', was created from pieces of wood donated by the public as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Speaking about the future of the festival, Mr Marshall-Potter added: 'The festival season in general has been decimated by the weather this year, but you find folk fans are very hardy people, and if they want to see somebody they will do.

'Getting the Lone Twin Boat Project has also been a fantastic addition to the event.

'Next year we do not plan to make it much different. A few things will change that did not work to well. However, the entertainment and the sound systems have been first class. The sound on the main stage was crystal clear, which is one of things people remember.'

Artists which took to the stage included Seth Lakeman, Peatbog Faeries, Baskery and Murphy's Lore on the Friday.

Saturday saw Bellowhead headline the Main Arena, while Lau entertained in the Kayam Tent, and Solko performed in the Club Uniquity Tent.

And for the grand finale on Sunday, The Imagined Village drew the event to a close with Amy Wadge and Pete Riley, and The Willows playing during the day.

Grace Turner, a secretary from Acle, said it was the first time she had been to a festival, but enjoyed the 'intimate' atmosphere created at FolkEast.

The 51-year-old, who camped for three days, said: 'I have never been to a festival before, this is my first one, and it has been fantastic – I have really enjoyed it.

'My highlight of the festival would have to be Bellowhead. It is just lovely for us because it is local. There is also lots of things for kids to do and it feels very family friendly.'