THIS weekend, from tomorrow (Friday) to Sunday, folk frolics continue in the county when the Dartmoor Folk Festival will take place — centred on the village of South Zeal.

Visitors travel from far and near — many coming directly from Sidmouth Folk Festival to Dartmoor — to hear top artists from the folk world performing alongside some of the best local entertainers, and to take part in good-hearted family fun.

Events will include the Dartmoor Step Dance and Broom Dance championships, a Dartmoor fayre, workshops, dances, folk service, pub sessions, children's entertainment, a Sunday ramble, craft displays, ceilidh and a music hall.

There will be an increase on the new and exciting children's festival, which will include circus skills, storytelling, arts, crafts and music sessions.

The impressive line-up includes Show of Hands, Les Barker, The Yetties, Brian Peters, The Claque, The Carrivick Sisters, The Four Star Trio, Polkaworks and Mog.

Celebrated local artists include The Dartmoor Pixie Band, Tony Beard (The Wag from Widecombe), Jimmy Tamley, Dave Wills and Rob Pudner. Many Morris and dance teams will be performing too.

The Step Dance competition is one of the main traditions associated with the festival. It involves dancers trying to out-step one another on a 15-inch square board, to win a place in the competition's final, which is held on an old hay wagon.

A workshop is run at the festival to teach the basic steps.

The Dartmoor Broom Dance championship is for primary school aged children only.

Another Dartmoor tradition, this competition involves dancing with a broom, or rather over a broom.

Children can learn the series of moves at a workshop at the festival.

The Dartmoor Fayre on August 7, will be opened at 2.20pm by BBC South West television news reporter and author, Simon Hall, in the presence of the Mayor of West Devon, Cllr John Hockridge and Mayoress, Mrs Margaret Hockridge.

Alan Quick, spokesperson for the festival, said: 'An action-packed programme has been arranged and we are looking forward to a great festival.

'There will be three days of music, song and dance.

'Entertainment is arranged for the whole family and there are events to take part in or simply sit and watch.'

For further information, and to view the full festival programme, visit the website at http://www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk">www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk

To book tickets or for further information, contact the secretary, Jane White on 01837 840102 or email: [email protected]">[email protected]