SUMMER may still seem a long way away, but preparations are already well in hand for this year's Dartmoor Folk Festival, which takes place in South Zeal.

Visitors travel from far and near to hear top artists from the folk world performing alongside some of the best local entertainers.

This year an impressive line-up of guests has been booked, full details of which will be announced shortly.

From Friday, August 6 to Sunday, August 8, the event will include the Dartmoor Step Dance and Broom Dance Championships, a Dartmoor Fayre, craft displays, dances, a music hall, ceilidh, workshops, folk service, pub sessions, children's entertainment, plus a Sunday ramble.

There will be an increase on the new and exciting Children's Festival, which includes circus skills, storytelling, arts, crafts and music sessions.

The festival was founded by local musician, the late Bob Cann BEM, 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.

His inspiration is continued by an association of local enthusiasts, including members of his own family and friends. 

This will be the 33rd annual festival.

It will include local crafts, sideshows and dance displays.  There will be a caravan and campsite with all the usual facilities.

For further information send an sae to the secretary, Mrs Jane White, Sunnyhill, Zeal Head, South Zeal, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2JL, telephone 01837 840102, or email: [email protected]">[email protected]