FOLK music, poetry and dance will form part of the first Festival on the Moors organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the North York Moors National Park Authority.

It starts next Friday and runs until Sunday, September 15, with the aim of extending the visitor season and helping tourism while celebrating the inspiration artists and others have drawn over centuries from the moors.

Local, national and international performers will appear at selected venues throughout the area, with local performers in particular invited to celebrate those things which distinguish the heritage and landscape.

The festival starts next Friday with folk fiddler Dave Swarbrick's Orchard at the Moors Centre in Danby.

Folk bands, duos, soloists, story tellers, poets, morris and sword dancing teams will tour the national park to entertain and celebrate 50 years of conservation, public enjoyment and heritage.

The North York Moors were designated as a national park in November, 1952.

"We hope a great number of people will have an enjoyable time during our Festival on the Moors," said Andy Wilson, the authority's chief executive.

"It demonstrates our efforts to provide as wide a welcome as possible to visitors and in so doing support local communities by helping to revive their economy."

He hoped many people would use public transport to visit and stay in the national parks, and said that if the festival was a success, it might become an annual event that could have considerable economic benefits.

The full programme is available from libraries, national park centres and tourist information centres, or ring 01287 660540 or 01642 861899, or visit the park web site at www.northyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk

Activities include tea room tours, music events, poetry readings, walks and other events in pubs and outdoor concerts.

Confirmed performers include Dave Swarbrick's Orchard, Banoffi, Bob Beagrie, Strings 'n' Things, Brian Krengel, Synergy, Steve Hawes and Helen Pitt, Locos in Motion, Tony Wilson, Eddie Walker, Elaine Palmer, Endeavour Shantymen, Geoff Higginbottom, Goathland Ploughstots, Ian McNicol, Mazaika, Joe Stead, Sheafknot, Jumpin' Jack Ceilidh Band and Zodiac Jazz Band,

The programme is designed to contribute to the Countryside Agency's national campaign, Your Countryside, You're Welcome, aimed at helping rural economies recover after foot-and-mouth.