AN annual festival which has grown into one of the most popular folk music events in the region has announced a stella line-up for its tenth year.

Organisers of the Sedgefield Folk Festival managed to pull off a coup by securing two of the hottest acts around for the three day event in September.

BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards singer of the year Nancy Kerr will be one of the main attractions on the afternoon of Saturday, September 5 when she performs with James Fagan.

The best group from the prestigious contest, The Young ‘Uns, will be in concert that night.

Joint organiser Joan Edmundson said: “This is probably our best year, we’re delighted with our plans especially for our tenth year.

“We’ve managed to get brilliant guests to take part and to have two winners of such a big folk music competition is a real coup.

“Tickets are now available and started selling really well straight away.”

From its modest beginning at a single venue in 2006 the festival has gradually expanded and now features free events and paid for shows which attract folk music enthusiasts from miles away.

This year’s festival will begin on Friday, September 4, with an evening concert featuring the John Wrightson Band, John Weighell, Flossie Malavialle and The Coal Porters.

The Saturday afternoon concert will also include Marske Fishermen’s Choir, Broadband and Pete Abbott and the evening gig will feature Babs Thow and Bobby Surgeoner, The Whiskey Dogs and The Hayley Sisters.

Throughout the weekend there will also be musicians’ sessions, singarounds and workshops ranging from ukulele and Northumbrian pipes to spoons.

There will also be music and song competitions, including The World Spoons Championship.

The weekend will end with a final singaround led by Ernie Gilchrist on Sunday, September 6, when the town hosts a traditional farmers’ market.

Tickets for the afternoon concert are priced £8, evening concerts are £15 and weekend passes are available for £35.

Full details of the programme, timings, venues and tickets are available at the website sedgefieldfolkfestival.co.uk or the festival office on 01740 621347.