ORGANISERS of a North-East folk festival have announced the line-up for this year.

Over the past four years, Trimdon Festival, in County Durham, has featured international entertainers such as the late Lonnie Donegan, Kate Rusby, Lindisfarne and The Benny Gallagher Band.

The first event this year is on Friday, September 3, a folk night with local band Skerne, featuring Tony Blair's agent, John Burton, in the Bird In Hand pub, in Trimdon Village.

The following day there will be the third World Spoons Playing Championship in the Bird in Hand, which includes a junior section for the first time.

The day also features accordionist Shona Kipling, who won a Fame Academy bursary, and workshops and entertainment by the all-female Pengwyn Rapper Sword dancers.

On Saturday evening, September 4, the highlight of the festival weekend is a gala concert in Trimdon Labour Club.

Topping the bill is singer-songwriter and comedian Vin Garbutt, who was voted Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. He will be supported by The Old Rope String Band, with their mix of music and comedy, and The Happy Cats, a trio featuring former Lindisfarne frontman Marty Craggs.

The festival survivors' session in the Red Lion pub at Sunday lunchtime will round off proceedings.

For more information and booking details, visit the festival website at www.trimdonfestival.co.uk or contact the festival box office on (01388) 815827.

Published: 02/08/2004