Folk music gets its final fling this weekend with the last of the county’s big outdoor events – the Tenterden Folk Festival.

Events include an English barn dance, concerts, singarounds, music sessions, folk clubs, special shows and a craft fair.

Started as a one-day festival in 1992, director Alan Castle and his team have developed the festival into a four-day event in what is a celebration of English folk traditions.

Many morris sides represent the different styles of traditional and ritual English dance while the singers include some of the best exponents of folk song from around the country.

Leading the way will be Notts Alliance, a four-piece harmony group. Avid fans of traditional folk song will be delighted that the likes of Scolds Bridle, Jim Mageean and Graeme Knights, Keith Kendrick and Sylvia Needham are all on the bill.

Headlining will be Mike Wilson and Damien Barber, who were nominated for the BBC Folk Awards as Best Folk Duo for their work in reviving old Norfolk songs.

Nick Dow is another familiar favourite from the 1970s and 1980s folk scene and there are a host of Kent singers and musicians to supplement the visiting artists.

There will be lunchtime song and music at the William Caxton Pub, with Bob Kenward and Malcolm Ward and spots from festival guests.

There are many free events taking place in the streets, the pubs and on the recreation ground and where ticketed shows are held, the price is kept fairly low to attract bigger crowds for what might be their first experience of a folk concert.

In addition to the entertainment across Tenterden, there is also a campsite for those wanting to stay the weekend and most events are within walking distance of the town centre.

DETAILS

The Tenterden Folk Festival runs from Thursday, September 29 until Sunday, October 2.

For details and a full programme of live acts go to tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk or turn up and see what takes your fancy.