More than 10,000 people flocked to Exhibition Park on Good Friday to enjoy an array of entertainment at the popular National Folk Festival.
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The annual Easter-weekend event is showcasing 200 local, national and international acts ranging from music, dance, film and circus.
Hackett resident Edwina Breingan hit the festival for the second time after being impressed by the talented artists on show in 2015. Her five-year-old daughter Poppy loved the children's music, hoola-hooping and craft this year.
"It's great that there's something here for everyone," Ms Breingan said.
"Poppy will go home soon and I'll be staying on to soak up the rest of the music."
Folk-rock duo Guyy and The Fox had come far since starting out in Canberra in 2013. Despite having recently returned from international tours, member Guyy Lilleyman said playing in their hometown was always special.
"The national Folk Festival tends to have a bit of a real family-vibe, so whether we are playing or not, everyone just acts like a family and trusts each other," he said.
"My friend always says that if everyone went to one folk festival a year the world would be a better place, and I agree."
Their wide-ranging music style included traditional folk, instrumental pieces and haunting ballads.
A group of four Canberra friends agreed the event, which is on track to attract up to 50,000 people this year, appealed to any demographic. Caroline McGregor and her friends balanced full beers as they rushed to catch the performance of traditional Irish trio, Trouble in the Kitchen.
"This is the third time I've come and I just love the variety of music and relaxed atmosphere," she said.
"And the food has been great. I really rate the dumplings."
Food markets, clothing stalls and jaw-dropping acrobatic acts filled the streets on Friday, with entertainment set to run past midnight.
Some of the day's highlights included New Zealand's hottest new star, Mel Parsons, award-winning Dublin-born traditional singer and bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell and the youngest ever winner of the BBC Young Folk Award Jarlath Henderson.
The festival will run until Easter Monday evening. Ticket purchases and the full schedule are available at folkfestival.org.au
