As the Beverley Folk Festival enters its third year in its new venue at Beverley Racecourse, tickets are already selling well as the stellar line-up of artists reveals itself.

Located at the edge of the town, in the heart of the attractive Beverley Westwood common land the festival kicks off on the Thursday night (18th June) with a special launch event featuring the legendary Bootleg Beatles. The band will be performing some of the classic hits of the “Fab Four”, along with an orchestra to perform songs from the musical Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Break Club Band. With weekend headliners as varied as the alternative band Hayseed Dixie from the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in the USA; Mercury Prize nominated, New-Folk artist Seth Lakeman; and the legendary songwriters from England and Scotland, Ralph McTell plus Barbara Dickson and Rab Noakes, there is plenty to interest all tastes. Back by popular demand is the Scottish band the Peatbog Faeries who will bring their own brand of 21st century Celtic dance music to the weekend.

Guitar maestro Martin Simpson appears with his new trio featuring Andy Cutting and Nancy Kerr, and from overseas the festival welcomes back from the USA the hugely popular Curtis Eller with his “American Circus” and from Australia the highly entertaining duo Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson. Hat Fitz is a “veteran” wild man of the blues scene in Australia, certainly an act not to miss.

As always the festival plays host to some of the best of young artists from around the country with BB C Radio 2 Folk Award winners; Greg Russell and Kiaran Algar joining forces with the Mischa Macphearson Trio to form a new, young, all star group “The Tweed Project”. Other award winners include Lucy Ward and Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin. For some 20’s Swing Rob Heron and The Tea Pad orchestra bring a sense of authenticity with some great music.

As always a full programme of events and workshops for younger artists and members of the audience will ensure that all ages are fully catered for over the weekend.

With comedy and literature artists still to be confirmed, this year’s event already promises to be one of the best ever in the history of the festival.

LINKS:
http://www.beverleyfestival.com/
http://www.facebook.com/BeverleyFolkFestival
http://twitter.com/BeverleyFest