A NUMBER of top names in the folk world will be on the bill at the Dartmoor Folk Festival in South Zeal this summer. Preparations are well under way for the 28th folk festival, members of the association were told at their annual meeting recently. Chairman Jason Rice, of Crediton, a member of festival regulars the Dartmoor Pixie Band, outlined details of the event which will take place over the weekend of August 5 to 7. Already confirmed for the three-day event are: The Posh Band, Roy Bailey, Hanging Johnny, Dangerous Curves, The Sultans of Squeeze (John Kirkpatrick and Chris Parkinson), Ben Campbell, Rob Pudner and Ticklish Allsorts. Others include Betty and Norman McDonald, Dave Wills, Tony Beard (the Wag from Widdecombe), Moor Music and the Dartmoor Pixie Band. Highlights of the friendly and traditional festival include the Dartmoor broom dance championships, Dartmoor step dance championships, ceilidh, workshops, children?s entertainment and craft displays. Mr Rice said the festival was one of the best in the UK folk calendar and thanked all those who helped to make it such a success. Special thanks were given to folk act The Bismarcks for playing a benefit concert in aid of the festival which was held in South Zeal last October. He said that the association was saddened during the year by the death of the treasurer for the past 15 years, Philip Holmes. Mr Rice concluded by referring to the good financial position of the association and his hope for many more festivals to come. Alan Quick, festival press officer, 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. He received the British Empire Medal for his services to folk music before his death more than ten years ago.? At the end of the meeting, the following officers were among those elected to the committee: Vice-president, Mark Bazeley; chairman, Jason Rice; vice-chairman, Andy Frangleton; secretary, Jane White; assistant secretary, Annie Rennie; treasurer,Nick Marvin and assistant treasurers, Judy Sanders and Annie Rennie.