SOME of the top artists in the folk world will be guests at the 26th Dartmoor Folk Festival which takes place at South Zeal this summer.
Confirmed performers for the three day event on August 8-10 include: Token Women; Coope, Boyes and Simpson; Cyril Tawney; Nancy Kerr and James Fagan; Patterson, Jordan and Dipper and Betty and Norman McDonald.
Highlights of the friendly and traditional festival include the Dartmoor broom dance championships, Dartmoor step dance championships, a Dartmoor fayre, craft displays, dances, a musical hall, ceilidh and workshops.
There will also be a folk service, pub sessions and children?s 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.
?The festival was founded by local musician, the late Bob Cann,? he said.
?He had the idea that he would like to start his own folk festival to help revive and preserve the traditions of Dartmoor. In particular he wanted to preserve the traditional music, dance, song and crafts of the area.
?Bob received the British Empire Medal for his services to folk music before his death more than 10 years ago.?
Other performers who will be visiting the festival include Ned and Martha; Mark Bazeley, Jason Rice and Rob Murch; Dave Wills, and the Wag from Widecombe Tony Beard.
The Dartmoor Pixie Band will be putting in an appearance and several Morris and dance teams ? many who are local ? will also be attending.
The festival is run by a 40-strong association of supporters. Camping is available close to the festival site.
For further details about the festival send a SAE to Mrs Jane White, Sunnyhill, Zeal Head, South Zeal, Okehampton, EX20 2JL or phone (01837) 840102.