HUNDREDS of folk fans are expected to turn out to Hartlepool’s first folk festival next weekend.

The event, taking place on October 16 to October 18 in venues all around the Headland, aims to bring together some of the most established names in folk.

Headline artists include Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick, Vin Garbutt, Chris Wood, Dick Gaughan, and Alistair Anderson.

Festival Director Joan Crump said: “We’ve assembled a really classy lineup of folk artists with a national profile, but we realise that people new to folk music may not know some of these names, or the quality of the music that’s coming.

"So we’d love for people to come along to the Headland, have a drink, watch some free performances, enjoy some delicious food from the street market in the Town Square, and maybe throw a pound or two into our collecting buckets or buy a festival programme to help ensure we can bring another great programme to Hartlepool next year."

Events will take place in the Borough Hall, St Mary’s Church, St Hilda’s Church, the Duke of Cleveland, and various Headland pubs.

A street food marketplace in the Town Square will feature free entertainment, There will be workshops, talks, screenings, and lots of opportunities for local people to get involved.

Weekend tickets for non-residents are £90, with individual event tickets available from £6. They can be purchased online at www.hartlepoolfolkfest.co.uk. Some tickets available by phone or in person (without a booking fee) from the box office in Church Square.

Hartlepool residents can purchase a full Weekend ticket for a special discounted rate of £65. Proof of address is required. Alternatively, phone 01429-890000. The box office, which is in the Tourist Information Centre, is open Tuesday – Friday 10am, till 4:30pm; Saturday 10am – 4pm.