THE Baring-Gould Weekend is almost here, bringing a strong line-up of musicians and singers to Okehampton this weekend.

Organised by Wren Music, more than 30 events will take place from Friday, October 26 to Sunday, October 28, with a capella singer Lester Simpson, concertina player and vocalist Tim Laycock and singer Scott Gardiner among the special guests performing.

There are a number of free concerts and dances and other attractions. On the Friday evening, the Wren Band will be previewing next year's national touring show 'When the Moon is Full'.

On Saturday morning, all are welcome to come along to the coffee morning in the Charter Hall, and watch morris dancing in the streets. You can try out morris dancing in the afternoon as part of the Family Dance Workshop.

The Saturday feast brings together a whole evening of songs and music, and an enticing spread with a hog roast and vegetarian options prepared by Devon-based chef Shaun McCahearty, formerly a chef for the Royal household.

The Dartmoor Pixie Band will perform a ceilidh in the Church Hall, with all the dances explained to newcomers. For those wishing to take part in the music themselves, there are also youth workshops and a chance to join the choir or orchestra.

The festival is inspired by the folk song collection, travel diaries and novels of Sabine Baring-Gould. He was one of the Victorian era's great social historical researchers, and undertook the first serious and sustained attempt to collect the traditional songs of the English peasants and workers, predominantly in West Devon.

Wren Music has recently digitised his entire folksong collection, enabling free access to the songs on the internet, to stimulate greater participation in folk song.

Advance tickets can be purchased today (Thursday) at the Wren Music Office at 1 St James Street from 10am to 5.30pm.

Weekend and feast tickets will then be on sale from the Charter Hall during the folk weekend. Individual event tickets will be on sale on the door at each event.

For more information and to book tickets online visit http://www.baring-gould.co.uk">www.baring-gould.co.uk