Other Voices 2012: the world's most intimate festival – days one and two in pictures

Dingle bay. The Other Voices festival, now in its 11th year, takes place in the small town on the west coast of Ireland
Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

A deep sea fishing boat returns to the harbour Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

The main gigs at Other Voices take place in the church of St James, but the pubs are also filled with impromptu performances. Here is local singer Riona O’ Madagain singing in O’Sullivan's Court House bar
Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Journalist Lisa O'Carroll gives an informal talk at Foxy John's pub Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Festival founder Philip King in the church of St James
Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Villagers enjoy a pint before getting on stage Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

The stage in the church of St James is prepped before a performance Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Bands and crew have to climb through a window to enter the church
Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Villagers perform in the church of St James
Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Backstage at St James's
Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Performances in St James's are streamed into pubs and other venues in Dingle – here's the view from Benners Hotel
Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

A clapper board rests on a shelf with a couple of pints of Guinness Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

Local Natives on stage Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

The outside broadcast truck for Irish TV channel RTE and the Guardian's live streams
Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian

The sun sets over Dingle harbour Photograph: Sean Smith for the Guardian