FROM clogs to concerts and ‘rioters’ and real ale, an annual Edgworth festival hopes to get people dancing through the weekend.

The Edgworth Folk Festival will bring a mix of musicians, dancers and workshops to The Barlow from today through to Sunday.

Events literally kick off with the traditional festival opening ceilidh tonight from 7.30pm to 11pm with a real ale bar.

The Riot Band will lead dance which will also feature clog dancer Liz Calderbank and local Appalachian musicians and dancers, Leap To Your Feet.

Then over the next two days visitors can enjoy concerts, stalls and workshops at the institute in Bolton Road.

Chris Nash, one of the organising committee said: “We are very excited about the festival as advance ticket sales are the best ever and we have a great line up of guests and a wide range of events for people to join in with. All the artists generously give their time free of charge so The Barlow will get full benefit from the event.

“We have listened to the really positive feedback which said keep the same format but improve a couple of things. So there will be even better catering arrangements and, new for the festival this year, is a music instrument and accessories stall.”

Highlights on Saturday include Lancashire duo Peter and Barbara Snape headlining the afternoon concert after a busy UK tour which saw them performing on the main stages at the Sidmouth and Whitby Folk weeks.

The evening concert closes with the popular songwriter Stanley Accrington, who will entertain us with a witty and sideways view on life.

Youth takes to the stage on Sunday lunchtime when Music For All demonstrate musical skills and energy.

The festival closes with a Folk at The Barlow & Friends concert from 1.40pm to 4pm. Held in the main hall, it will feature the weekend’s performers and fellow regular Barlow acts , including Seat of the Pants, Nat Clare, Phil & Sorrel Harty, Pete Grassby and The Saggy Bottom Girls.

Visitors can peruse stalls selling merchandise, fresh local produce, crafts and musical paraphernalia in between song sessions, singalongs, story-telling, learning the ukulele or The Bodhran and even making guitars.

For a full programme of events, visit bromleycrossfolkclub.org.uk. Festival tickets are available from 01257 233513.