It's festival season as folk takes over Todmorden ...

Various Venues from May 4-6

An exciting combination of folk royalty and rising stars are part of this year’s festivalwith free pop-up gigs and morris dance, as well as ticketed events.

The festival kicks off as ever with a family Ceilidh hosted by Calderdale’s Beau Dillies at Todmorden Town Hall on May 4, while the Friday Night concert in the Masonic Hall is headed by virtuoso accordion player John Kirkpatrick. There will also be a pop-up session in the 3 Wise Monkey’s.

Saturday is packed with music at Todmorden Methodist Church, with Morris teams from all over the North animating the streets and squares.

2018 BBC Folk Award Nominees The Melrose Quartet will headline the Saturday evening concert supported by Sasha and Ursula Glendinning, Todmorden Folk Festival youth music award winners.

For night owls, there are also late concerts and sessions at The Golden Lion.

On Sunday, St Mary’s Church will host a Folk Eucharist as part of its regular Sunday Service in the morning as well as the Sunday afternoon concert. Also appearing there are Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage.

At teatime on Sunday, the Fielden Centre will host a heat of the John Burningham Cup Song Competition. This will be judged by the Sunday night concert headliner, Grace Petrie, a rising protest singer, who appeared at Glastonbury as Billy Bragg’s guest.

The free family festival programme details have now been published. Entertainment will include performances from Happy Campers Theatre and a magic show. This event has been supported by Todmorden Town Council.

Morris Sides from Ryburn Long Sword, Slubbing Billys, Flag and Bone Gang, Hill Millies, 400 Roses, Strictly Clog, Lancashire Wallopers and North British Sword Dancers will be joining in the fun.

The Todmorden Folk Festival takes place from May 4-6. More information and all ticket details are available on the excellent Todmorden Folk Festival website, www.todfolkfest.co.uk

Alternatively visit the Todmorden Tourist Information Centre.

For a full list of performers see next week’s Go.