THE popular folk festival in Upton-Upon-Severn returns this May with the line-up already announced.

Thousands of people attend the folk festival each year, and this year’s programme includes over 50 Morris sides, three main concert venues and five ceilidh dances.

There will also be folk boat trips, a grand procession and competitions including clog dancing, song writing and a talent contest.

In addition there will be a play, a talk about the Archers and Morris dancing and “Poems, Yarns, Rhymes and Tales”.

Several folk clubs will be running their own concerts during the weekend.

Local pubs will also be offering free entry music sessions with several beer festivals taking place.

Guests for the second year running include Charles Gerrard’s Regiment of the Sealed knot and folk artists attending include Cosmotheka, John Kirkpatrick, the Melrose Quartet, Alice Jones and Token Women.

The festival has a 30-year history and is a prominent feature in the folk festival circuit throughout the country.

The programme runs from Friday night through to Monday on the first May Bank Holiday weekend but, to celebrate this Birthday, the concerts have been extended to later on Monday when enthusiasts are recommended to stay.

Camping for tents, caravans and motor homes is provided for on the Sports Field site which will have toilets, showers, water and waste disposal provided.

This year's festival will also include four awards for performers: Acoustic Talent, The John Birmingham Cup for songwriting, The Upton-in-Bloom Duck Race and The Demon Barber Clog Competition (Mon)

Full details can be obtained from the festival web site at uptonfolk.org