SOME major artists in the folk world will be guests at the 27th Dartmoor Folk Festival in August.
The three-day event at South Zeal will feature top artists alongside some of the best local entertainers in the folk world. As usual one of the highlights will be the Dartmoor Step Dance and Broom Dance championships.
Performers already confirmed for the festival on August 6, 7 and 8 include All Blacked Up, Taffy Thomas, Flowers and Frolics with Bob Davenport, John Spiers and Jon Boden, Peta Webb and Ken Hall, Ed Rennie and Dr Sunshine.
Also taking part will be Mark Bazeley, Tony Beard the Wag from Widecombe and the Dartmoor Pixie Band. Several Morris and dance teams will also be attending.
There will be a Dartmoor fayre, craft displays, dances, a music hall, ceilidh, workshops, a folk service pub sessions and childrens? entertainment.
Festival press officer Alan Quick said: ?Most events take place in halls or at the village playing field where large marquees are erected to transfer under cover if needed.?
He said the festival is run by a 40-strong association of supporters.
?It was founded by local musician the late Bob Cann, who had the idea that he would like to start his own folk festival to help revive and preserve the traditions of Dartmoor ? and in particular, the traditional music, dance, song and crafts of the area.?
Bob Cann received the British Empire Medal for his service to folk music before his death more than ten yers ago.
For further details about the festival send a SAE to Mrs Jane White, Sunnyhill, Zeal Head, South Zeal, Okehampton EX20 2JL; telephone 01837 840102 or visit: http://www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk">www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk