Members of the Fabulous Fezheads joined the Barefoot group for the parade, which celebrated different types of dance.

The musical procession started in Swan Street and featured more than 20 different dance groups.

Crowds enjoying the sunshine were also entertained by two giant puppets from Sheffield City Joints who towered over children as they gathered in Market Place.

Morris Dancers from Harbury's Hereburgh side and Kenilworth's female Chinewrde side also took part in the parade, which swept through the town at around 3pm.

Church Street, Swan Street, Smith Street and part of Jury Street were closed for the event which ended at St Nicholas Park.

More than 20,000 people attended festival events last weekend and hundreds lined the pavements for Saturday's parade.

Organiser Dick Dixon said: "The festival was excellent and very well attended.

"We had lots of people in Warwick on Saturday and at the concert on Saturday night and they were all enjoying themselves and having a good time.

"It is a real family friendly event."

The main festival started at various venues within Warwick School on Friday with visitors from as far away Canada and Australia camping in the school grounds.

The event featured performances from popular folk singers including Kate Rusby, Jim Moray and Eric Bogle.

On Saturday night there was a free concert in Market Place, where crowds danced in the streets to music by bands including Mabon and the Fabulous Fezheads.

Celebrations continued on Sunday as visitors braved the rain to watch a parade to Castle Street and a closing performance by Australian group Spooky Men's Chorale."

The town centre entertainment was part of the town's Street Festival which is put on by organisers of the main event.

The free activities cost around £34,000 a year to put on and may be reduced next year if additional funding can not be secured.

Mr Dixon added: "I have had a few people come up and tell me how important it is to keep the events going and I am confident we will get some funding for next year."

Mr Dixon, who was made an Honorary Freeman of Warwick last year, also made an appearance on Saturday, when he was called on stage.

Town mayor Peggy Bennett presented him with his Freeman chain for his work on the folk festival since it started 30 years ago.

Coun Bennett also gave Mr Dixon a cheque for £3,000 on behalf of Warwick Town Council towards this year's street entertainment.

Mr Dixon said: "It was wonderful. It is not only nice for me but it is good for the festival as well."

q Traders in Smith Street also held a party and craft fair for visitors to enjoy.

Shopkeepers took advantage of road closures by setting up stalls and tables in the street and putting on entertainment including children's face painting, circus acts and live music.