‘Hottest line-up ever’ for the Warwick Folk Festival 2011

In July Warwick Folk Festival will return for the 32nd running and is aiming to be bigger and better than ever before.

For three days people from all over the world will descend on the town for what has become one of the main events on the folk music calendar not just in the UK but internationally.

Headlining this year in what festival organisers are calling their ‘hottest line-up ever’ are Show of Hands, Peatbog Faeries, Spiers and Boden and the big hit from last year’s festival - Salsa Celtica.

But there will hundreds of musicians, dancers, singers and taking part in both the free events throughout the town centre, and the main festival held in the grounds of Warwick School.

It now routinely attracts more than 20,000 people to the area which provides a massive boost to the local economy.

To coincide with the festival the traders of Smith Street also hold an annual street party which will again be returning this year.

Warwick town centre manager Matt Caddick said: “The annual Folk Festival is the best weekend in Warwick’s calendar.

“There will be quality performances down on the festival site and entertainment throughout the town centre including free concerts in the square, performances in pubs and a street party in Smith Street.

“The organisers are working extremely hard to put on another fantastic show.”

Festival director since its inception 32 years ago, and honorary freeman of Warwick, Dick Dickson said: “It’s going quite well so far, ticket sales are looking very healthy and are well up on last year which is great.

“It’s a great event and the town will be very vibrant.

“We are filling the days up throughout the week with music events at pubs around the town, and on the Thursday night we’ve got the Spooky Men’s Chorale from Australia who are very humorous.

“There will also be the Warwickshire Boys Youth Choir who are winning lots of things at the moment, and also a barber shop group from Coventry so a real mix on that first warm-up night.

“It is known around the world so is very much a global event now.

“Preparations are going well and we are working hard towards making the festival the best yet.”

Tickets are now on sale with weekend tickets start at £70, and day tickets and camping tickets are also available.

For more information on the festival call the Bridge House Theatre on 01926 776438 or go online.