Hartlepool Folk Festival returns this weekend

Hartlepool Folk Festival returns this weekend with a host of entertainment.

From Morris dancing and weaponry displays to celebrated folk singers, there will be something for everyone at the event which opens tonight and runs until Sunday evening.

It follows the success of last year’s inaugural event - and promises to be even bigger and better.

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Events will take place against the backdrop of the Historic Quay.

Festival Joan Crump said: “From Morris dancing and sea shanties in the streets to intimate performances on the HMS Trincomalee, to pub sessions, ceilidhs and more formal concerts, it’s a fantastic venue for the events.”

As well as music, there will be craft activities, maritime re-enactors and family workshops.

Mainstage concerts will take place at the Town Hall Theatre in Raby Road, including the world’s first-ever ska ceilidh.

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This year’s festival brings together some of the best-loved names in folk with Andy Irvine, BBC Folk Awards Folk Singer of the Year 2015 Nancy Kerr and Hartlepool’s own Young’uns.

Highlights will also include Jim Moray, Vin Garbutt, The Wilsons, folk duo O’Hooley & Tidow, who have played Glastonbury, and Tom McConville who is regarded as one of the one of the leading fiddle players of his generation, and is a former winner of BBC Folk Musician of the Year.

Demand for festival tickets has been high and weekend and Saturday tickets are now sold out, but there are a few Sunday tickets left.

For tickets and further information, visit www.hartlepoolfolkfest.co.uk or call (01429) 299330.