IT was a case of art imitating life as a folk group struck up Smoke on the Water at Cropredy Festival today as a generator overheated and billowed smoke across the stage.

Conservatoire Folk Ensemble started their rendition of the Deep Purple classic after noticing the smoke, while audience members were moved back about 20 metres as a precaution.

An extinguisher was used to cool the generator down and there was only a short delay before the band returned to their set list.

Cropredy spokesman Andy Farquarson said: “There was no fire, no injury and no drama.

“One of the generators overheated and failed and we got an alternative source of power and a new generator will be delivered tomorrow. It’s not interrupted our schedule at all.”