Folkies’ delight

Top folk music acts, as well as stalls, fairs and fun for all the family will be all around the town as, for the weekend at least, Cleckheaton becomes Britain’s folk capital!

Festival head David Minich said: “We are so confident about the festival this year, and it was surprising that we managed to get everything done and dusted so early on.

“It is fantastic for the town, as people like the Totally Locally group and the Chamber of Trade all come together with us in their spare time to help make this a great festival.”

Acts such as the Maddy Prior Trio, the Demon Barbers and the Mighty Doonans will headline the festival, with many smaller venues in the town showcasing some new talent and familiar faces from the world of folk.

As well as the music, on the Saturday there will be a chance to catch the famous Cleckheaton Folk Festival parade, which will take place in the town centre from 11am.

Jim Saville, one of the festival’s organisers, said: “The parade will wend its way around town in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. It is a brilliant chance for people to see and hear something of what the festival has to offer while they do their shopping!”

Shoppers can also expect a bumper weekend as the farmers’ market and a Totally Locally street market returns on Saturday, as well as a craft fair and car boot sale hosted by Howard Park Community School.

The Cleckheaton Folk festival runs from July 5-7. For festival tickets, or for more information, visit www.cleckheatonfolkfestival.org.