“WE had this marquee . . . and then it just got a bit out of hand” — that's how BunkFest organisers explained how the nine-year-old festival has grown into one of Oxfordshire's largest live music and dance events, attracting 20,000 visitors over three days to Wallingford.

The town centre was turned over to dancers, musicians, stalls and attractions last weekend for what organisers hailed as “the best ever” BunkFest.

There were 27 venues for live events, including music aboard boats on the River Thames, ‘singing trains’ steaming along the Cholsey & Wallingford railway, and storytelling and acoustic sets in six pubs.

The festival’s centre, the Kinecroft, was full of stalls, stages, and tents to host the beer festival, craft fair and children's activities, with 5,000 people crowding in to watch folk acts Seize The Day and Pressgang on Friday night, and reggae-funk group Soothsayers on Saturday.

Late-night ceilidhs again drew crowds to Wallingford Sports Park.

Among 36 different dance troupes to perform were Zulu, visiting Wallingford from Durban, South African, for the first time.

Close harmony trio Artisan, who reformed this year after a five- year absence, performed a special set in St Mary’s church.

Organiser Dave Newson said: “We get more and more people involved each year to keep 20,000 visitors happy. There are about 100 volunteers who do everything.

“It is a lot of work, but when you see how many people are enjoying themselves you know it is worthwhile. The sight of a sea of 5,000 heads in the Kinecroft when some of the best bands of their type are playing is incredible.”

For the first time, the festival teamed up with eco group Sustainable Wallingford, who held a Green Fair in Centre 70.

The festival was launched by four friends when the Cross Keys pub landlord bought a marquee for his 50th birthday party. Mr Newson said: “It started to get about this size five years ago. We had to rapidly downsize after 2007 was a washout because of the floods, but have been rebuilding every year since. This is the biggest and best yet.”

The mayor of Wallingford, Bernard Stone, said: “It is an absolutely fantastic event in Wallingford's calendar.”