Town to be awash with music as folk festival approaches

Scores of visitors set to attend annual event

Hundreds of visitors are expected to descend on a town to see dancers and musicians fill the streets for a popular annual festival.

With just weeks to go before the opening of the 27th Tenterden Folk Festival on October 3, organiser Alan Castle says preparations are skipping along nicely.

Woodchurch Morris will be at the helm of the flagship parade through the high street at 3pm on Saturday, October 5, when acts old and new will entertain crowds lining the thoroughfare, which is closed for traffic.

The f amiliar Boughton Monchelsea and Loose Women morris sides will rub shoulders with newcomers Anderida Morris and Pennyroyal Clog Morris, while the all-female Be Bollywood will bring an exotic note to the line-up.

Before the main act, folk fans will have the chance to enjoy Will Pound and Eddy Jay at Thursdaynight’s opening concert, where the sounds of the harmonica and piano accordion will spill out from the town hall venue.

Energetic festival-goers are also invited to take their partner by the hand for a traditional English barn dance at the Tenterden Club in Church Road, which takes place on Fridaynight and features Kent-based band Foot Down playing the tunes.

Rousing sing-alongs can be enjoyed at the Tenterden Club, where festival guests drop in to add their voices to sea shanties. Mr Castle said: “This year we’ve extended the shanty singing session to three-hours as the event is so popular with guests.”

Tenterden recreation ground will be bursting with stalls for the festival’s craft fair where the marquee has been extended by 20ft to accommodate them all.

A variety of goods will be on sale including musical instruments from festival regular Hobgoblin, watercolours by Alan Colledge, jewellery by Mousie Murray and ceramics from Michael Goddard, who is making his debut at the event and will be giving demonstrations on the pottery wheel.

Foodies are being tempted by Khao’s Thai dishes, olives, baklava and feta cheese from The Olive Hut and sweet treats made by Keates Cakes, which will be among a range of produce on offer.

Thirsts can be quenched at the festival bar being provided by Romney Marsh Brewery and Nightingale Cider, where Scoff and Sip food and ice cream is on sale.

The festival is packed with free events, including song and music sessions in the bars of The Vine, The White Lion, The William Caxton and The Woolpack.

■ Tickets for the festival, which runs from Thursday, October 3 to Sunday, October 6, are available from Amy’s Pantry in East Cross Tenterden or at www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk

Acts old and new will entertain crowds in the parade