aMUSIC, dance and song will bring the village of South Zeal alive this August 10 as the annual Dartmoor Folk Festival kicks off.

The event, which attracts visitors from all over the country and overseas, has a packed programme of entertainment including some of the top artistes from the folk world performing alongside top local acts.

Highlights this year include the Dartmoor Step Dance and Broom Dance Championships, a Dartmoor fayre, craft displays, dances, music hall, ceilidh, workshops, folk service, pub sessions and children's entertainment.

Alan Quick, spokesman for the festival, said: 'The event is programmed to fit in neatly after the huge international Sidmouth Folk Festival, which means many folk enthusiasts coming directly from that event to this.

'However, the Dartmoor Folk Festival is organised by members of the local community, which gives it that special welcoming, friendly feel.'

The event was started by a local musician, the late Bob Cann, who had the idea he would like to start his own folk festival to revive and preserve Dartmoor traditions, said Mr Quick.

'His inspiration is continued by his family and friends and the event has become more than he could possibly have imagined,' he said.

Attractions at the festival take place in halls or on the village playing field, where large marquees are erected to transfer under cover if required.

Full weekend or day tickets are available and there is a caravan and campsite with all facilities for those who want to make a real break of it.

For more information about the 24th Dartmoor Folk Festival, send an sae to the secretary, Jane White, at Sunnyhill, Zeal Head, South Zeal, Okehampton, EX20 2JL or phone 01837 840102.