THE fifth Baring-Gould Folk Festival and Study Break organised by Okehampton-based Wren Trust begins tomorrow.
This annual event has become recognised for its quality throughout the country.
It travels around villages of Bratton Clovelly, Lewdown and Bridestowe in West Devon using local venues and drawing inspiration from the collection of hundreds of folk songs from Devon and Cornwall made by Baring-Gould.
The Festival from Friday to Sunday features a mix of local talent with English headliners Martin Carthy and Tim Laycock and some very special visitors from Transylvania.
The acts include :
l The Transylvanians ? The Timar Brothers and Ferenc and Zsuza Sara. Internationally recognised and performing for the first time in the UK who play stunning dance music and songs from their own villages mixing voices with violin, flute and hit-gardon.
Come and learn Transylvanian dance from the people who really know.
l Martin Carthy ? a chance to get up-close and personal with one of the pinnacles of English Folk Music.
His unrivalled reputation as a leading folk artist has led him to play with bands such as Steeleye Span and to have recently received an MBE for his services to music.
l Tim Laycock ? multi-talented concertina player and vocalist returns as a firm favourite with Festival goers and Study breakers alike.
l Nick Wyke ? this special visitor returns for the Festival to play a set to launch his new CD ?The High Tors? of traditional fiddle tunes and more contemporary arrangements from Dartmoor.
l Regal Slip ? your last chance to experience this glorious 4-part harmony singing, which has been rounded through years of professional experience.
They will also be running two workshops, which you can join to form a Festival Choir, which will perform during the final farewell Festival Concert.
The best of Wren?s musical talent will be playing together and individually.
Bagpiper David Faulkner ? fiddle and mandolin player Matt Norman ? sweet voiced Swedish singer Rebecka Slater Lyons ? Marilyn Tucker and Paul Wilson with strong vocal harmonies accordion and guitar.
There will also be the Community Orchestra and Choir Rough Music, Voices in Common and Packhorse Singers will be appearing in a supporting role.
As well as the music, there will be: local produce fair with craft demonstrations and annual conker competition with a grand trophy to be won.
Lewdown Youth Club are arranging a really sweet surprise for the end of the Festival.
For further information phone or fax (01837) 53754, or email: [email protected]">[email protected]