The Alnwick Music Festival is to return this summer after a one year break.
Last year’s event was cancelled for the first time in its 42-year history due mainly to a lack of volunteers, particularly those with the necessary technical skills to support the planned eight day event and evening programme.
This year’s festival will last for three days from August 9 to August 11 and will be held next to The Alnwick Garden with artists performing across two stages.
Scottish folk stars The Tannahill Weavers will be performing on Saturday night while award-winning folk artist, and Newcastle University graduate, Dan Walsh will be headlining on the Sunday night, alongside internationally acclaimed concertina player Alistair Anderson.
Festival Committee Trustee Dave Wearn said: “I am so thrilled to see these amazing artists come to Alnwick this year.
“We’ll be seeing international stars alongside local singer-songwriters, plus buskers and street performers in the town, so we’re sure there’ll be something to please everyone.
“We’re especially thrilled to welcome Taffy Thomas MBE – Britain’s first Storyteller Laureate – who will be captivating children and adults alike with tales from his 300 story repertoire”
The popular event began in 1976 and its cancellation last year was met with dismay.
Mr Wearn said: “We were sad to cancel last year’s festival but it means we are able to put on an even better event this year - we have to say a huge thank you to The Alnwick Garden for letting us use this fantastic venue.”
Others artists will be performing there include the Brothers Gillespie and guests The Bottle Bank Band, the Caffreys, Ian K Brown, Riff Raff and Rhythm Styx and many more.
There will also be craft stalls, food vendors, licensed bar and children’s rides, as well as a ceilidh to celebrate the best of music and dance.
And for those who want to polish their music skills, there are workshops and Sessions for Ukelele Beginners, Sword dancing, Washboard and Family Ceilidh.
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The Alnwick Music Festival is a registered charity and is supported by Alnwick Town Council and other grants.
Tickets for the festival are now on sale via the Alnwick Festival website: http://alnwickmusicfestival.co.uk/
