Eighth Edgworth Folk Festival kicks off tomorrow

The traditional opening signals the start of three days of folk music, song, dance and poetry folk staged at The Barlow.

Darwen band, Still Reeling and a dance display from Rivington Morris will perform at tonight's launch, signalling the start of a weekend of concerts, singarounds, music sessions and a sing and jam.

Topping the bill at the Saturday afternoon concert will be Mark Dowding, who will be who will be joined by Watch the Wall and Trim Rig and a Doxy. Also appearing are Don’t Feed the Peacocks.

The Saturday night headliners are The Oldham Tinker who will be joined by Yesterday’s Men, Gerry Ffrench and Caffrey, McGurk and Madge.

Sunday’s afternoon concert features Pete Grassby, MALpractice,Phil Harty and George Critchley, Mike Fairclough and Matilda’s Trio.

Organisers say the festival has grown year-on-year to promote folk music and showcase The Barlow as well as raising money for its upkeep.

Simon Blatchley, chairman, said: "This is the eighth year that we have run the event and each year it has managed to grow. The money raised by previous festivals has been used to

improve significantly the facilities of the building. We hope the weekend will appeal to “folkies” and the local community alike. On the one hand we want to promote folk music, singing and dancing and on the other, to encourage the people of Edgworth, Chapeltown, Entwistle, Turton and the surrounding area to use the facility. The festival relies totally on volunteers, and I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this venture, without whom the festival would not have been possible."

Saturday will include concerts, singarounds, music sessions, workshops, displays and sales.

And on Sunday there will be singarounds and music sessions in the morning, sing and jam with The Dodgers.

Individual event or full weekend tickets are available.

Children under 13 years accompanied by an adult are free.

For full details visit www.bromleycrossfolkclub.org.uk/page49.htm