Packed programme for Dartmoor Folk Festival

Top local and national artists will headline at the 36th Dartmoor Folk Festival, which will be held at South Zeal, near Okehampton, on August 9, 10 and 11.

Artists announced, to date, include: Jim Moray, Old Swan Band, Brendan Power and Tim Edey, Trio Threlfall, Lauren McCormick Band, Peter and Barbara Snape, Gadarene, Keith Donnelly, Dartmoor Pixie Band, Tony Beard, Entertainingly Different, Dave Wills plus morris and dance teams.

There will also be a concert, The Poetry of Charles Causley, by Jim Causley and Lucas Drinkwater.

The festival will include a packed programme of concerts, a ramble on Dartmoor, a ceilidh, folk service, craft displays, dances, a Children's Festival, a Dartmoor Fayre, music hall, pub sessions and music, song and dance workshops.

Competitions include the Dartmoor Broom Dance championships and Dartmoor Stepdance Championships.

There will also be a falconry display on the Saturday and ferret racing on the Sunday.

It was 36 years ago that the festival was founded by the late Bob Cann, who lived in the village.  He had the dream of a folk event on his doorstep that would help to revive and preserve the traditions of Dartmoor.

It was the traditional music, dance, song and crafts of the area that formed the basis for the first festival and they still remain for the association which runs the festival today.

Since it was founded it has grown so that it can invite some of the best folk artists around, whilst maintaining its reputation for being a relaxed, friendly and traditional festival.

For further details about the Festival, or to book tickets, telephone 01837 840102 or see the website at: www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk