With no lightning or torrential rain to scare away the crowds, as happened last year, the 23rd Mission Folk Music Festival was better than artistic director Francis Edwards could have expected last year.

The weather, the performers and even the moon all collaborated to make this weekend’s annual summer festival in Mission one of the best-attended festivals in its history.

Things looked a bit grim in the early stages of planning, Edwards told the audience on Sunday night, as festival lost $35,000 last year due to the unexpected cancellation of one night of performances at the 2009 show.

However, this year the stars re-aligned, and Edwards brought us one of the largest and most diverse line-ups of musicians ever.

Resulting box office sales were also among the biggest ever, he noted.

Audiences were treated to the likes of Kenyan ensemble Kenge Kenge, much appreciated by Mission’s Kenyan-born mayor, James Atebe, blues soloist Jill Barber with her unique repertoire, and Canadian folk greats, Murray McLauchlan and Ian Tyson.

David Francey, Galant, tu perd ton temps, accordion master Renato Borghetti and his superb backup crew, Latino fireball Wil Campa and his equally hot Gran Union from Cuba, and many others ensured the day stages were just as memorable as the main stage.

Festival supporters were also treated to one last encore, a festival fundraiser, on Tuesday at the Clark Foundation Theatre, with Quebecois performers Le Vent du Nord and Les Charbonniers de L’Enfer.

Thanks to all the organizers, volunteers and artists for a great weekend.