A MAN described as the 'voice of sense and authority' behind the foot and mouth crisis has agreed to open this year's Dartmoor Folk Festival in South Zeal on August 10,11 and 12.

South West regional director of the National Farmers' Union Anthony Gibson will give a short address before declaring the 24th festival open.

Also present will be Dartmoor farmer and BBC Radio Devon presenter Tony Beard, the 'Wag from Widecombe', who has been a great supporter of the festival for many years.

After the opening ceremony in the main arena at South Zeal Playing Fields, the Grand Dart-i-Moor Fayre, which is designed for the whole family, will be held.

Dancers, stalls, sideshows, crafts and children's entertainers will all be there and later in the day is the final of the Dartmoor step dance and broom dance competitions.

Some of the top artists in the folk world will be guests at the Dartmoor Folk Festival — confirmed for the three-day event are Jez Lowe, the Fraser Sisters, Pete and Su Coe and Alice Jones, The Old Hat Dance Band, Kieron Means, Graham O'Callaghan, Tim Van Eyken and Rob Harbon and the Cornwall songwriters The Cry of Tin.

The Dartmoor Pixie Band will be back again and there will be ten dance teams, including Morris dancers, in attendance.

A friendly traditional festival, other events include a music hall, ceilidh, folk service, pub sessions and workshops.

Large marquees will be erected on the playing fields should it rain and other events will take place in halls around the village.

Founded by local musician the late Bob Cann, the aim of the festival was to help revive and preserve the traditions of Dartmoor and in particular the traditional music, dance, song and crafts of the area.

Publicity officer Alan Quick said the organisers were delighted Mr Gibson could open the festival and he hoped farmers would come along to hear his address and enjoy the events.

'After foot and mouth, people in this area need to let their hair down and have a good time,' he said. 'Mr Gibson will be talking about the current situation regarding foot and mouth before he declares the festival open.'

Camping is available in fields close to the festival site and day and weekend ticket prices start at £10 to £24. Single event tickets are also available and some events are free.

Contact 01837 840102 for more details or check the website on http://www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk">www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk