TRADITIONS and customs of Dartmoor, illustrated through stories, music, art and photographs, are certain to bring in the visitors during May when the award-winning Dartmoor Inn at Lydford hosts its first festival.

The month-long event is about celebrating everything that is unique and special about Dartmoor all under one roof.

Karen Burgess, who co-owns the Michelin-awarded inn, which was named Dining Pub of the Year in the latest Good Pub Guide, said often Dartmoor was overlooked with high profile West Country attractions such as the Eden Project grabbing the limelight and she wanted to do something about it.

?We do not shout about Dartmoor and all the wonderful things we have here enough,? she said. ?There is the poetry, the music, the dancing and the food ? our lunches and suppers will link the best local ingredients with Dartmoor?s rich cultural past.

Festival-goers can take their pick of a paper theatre performance of the Hound of the Baskervilles followed by a candlelit dinner, guided walks, fireside tales of local myths and legends, a party supper with music and song and a three chefs festival dinner to name a few.

Most main events are accompanied by lunch or supper but there will be plenty to see for those people who just want to have a drink in the pub, such as exhibitions by Dartmoor photographers Chris Chapman and Tim Greenland and artist Mary Gillet, whose etchings and oil paintings capture the moods and atmospheres of the moor.

Three of Dartmoor?s top chefs ? Philip Burgess from the Dartmoor Inn, Duncan Walker of 22 Mill Street, Chagford, and Nick Coiley, of Agaric, Ashburton, will be serving up their signature dishes for a special festival dinner ? the ?Taste of Dartmoor? dinner will be inspired by local events such as Widdecombe Fair, Beating the Bounds, Tavistock Goose Fair and Bluebell Day with dishes based on those traditionally served.

Musicians will include accordionist Jason Rice, hurdy gurdy player Nick Groom, squeeze box extraordinaire and dancing duo Mark and Sarah Bazeley, the Beer Hunters with their fiddle, guitars, mouth organs and tin whistles, and the man considered by many to be the best banjo player in the West Country, Rob Murch.

The event will also welcome Clive Piggott who is well known for his dynamic style of storytelling and his eclectic repertoire. He has performed at festivals, in museums, schools and in libraries.

Karen, who took over the inn with her husband six years ago and has built its reputation for high quality traditional food, said the Dartmoor Festival had taken over a year to organise:

?This is something we have done off our own back without sponsors, but in our opinion it is worth it to celebrate everything about Dartmoor,? she said.

?Just the music alone will be amazing and we have step dancing and broom dancing all unique to this area.?

To find out more about the Dartmoor Festival contact the Dartmoor Inn on 01822 820221.