This weekend live acts, local ale and Morris dancers will grace the streets of Sandwich.

It’s time for the Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival, now in its fourth year and with a new look.

It began last night with a Folk Party at St Mary’s Arts Centre, Strand Street, at 7pm.

Performers included Radio 2 Folk Award nominees Gentlemen of Few, and Coco and the Butterfields, who were crowned best unsigned act in 2012 and have recently performed at Glastonbury.

The festival continues today and Sunday with musicians playing the main stage at the Guildhall Forecourt and the Acorn Stage for up-and-coming bands in Market Street.

Festival director Phil Curry said: “There’s lots of people I want to see – a duo called Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou, who have been on tour with Tori Amos. Green Diesel and Larkspur.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them and to playing myself. I play in a duo called Northern Roots.”

Other musicians playing include Brides of Rain, Jed Grimes, Selkie and Velvet Daisy.

The pubs in Sandwich will also be taking part and providing locally brewed beers and ales, including Best Bitter from Ripple Steam Brewery and Whitstable Bay Pale Ale and Master Brew from Shepherd Neame.

Alongside the music, Morris dancers will be performing today in Delf Street, King Street, the Red Cow pub, Moat Sole and the Quay.

There will also be a craft fair from 10am till 4pm both days at St Peter’s Church, a collection of street buskers, food stalls in Market Street, and a show featuring members of the Society of Local Art Teachers and Exhibitors.

In addition, there will be a series of talks about the history of Sandwich pubs by Paul Skelton at the Guildhall Meeting Room at 1pm today.

For more information, visit the festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SandwichFolkAleFestival.