I just saw some great photos in the Guardian today and had to share. I am fascinated by folk art and folk festivals, both in the Uk and around the world. My home county of Cornwall of course has plenty – I remember being quite frightened by what was, back in the 80s, a rough-and-tumble, pub-focused folk festival in Padstow, the Obby-Oss. I dare say it’s rather more family-friendly these days. Or maybe I’m just taller and less easily intimidated.

Image: John Baker

Image: John Baker

Horses – understandably – are a recurring theme in British folk festivals, but this is the first time I’d heard about the South Ronaldsay Festival of the Horse. Originally open to the boys of the island, it’s now an equal-opportunities festival where small children of both genders dress as horses for a ploughing competition on the beach.

Above is what it used to look like. And below is the vivid version of the festival today.

Image: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert for the Guardian

Image: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert for the Guardian

Aren’t they amazing? Although obviously, not everyone can be into it. Might feel a bit unsettling if you’re only three…

Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert for the Guardian

Find the full set of photos here. And if you’re also into folk art and the strange things that we celebrate on this group of islands, then what about this book by the wonderful artist Jeremy Dellar – I’m ordering a copy today.