FOLK music fans from all over the world are flocking to Fleetwood this weekend to enjoy the final Fylde Folk Festival of the Millennium.

Now in its 27th year, the festival attracts people of all ages and walks of life. Even the locals get carried away by the foot-tapping beats and friendly atmosphere that accompanies this annual celebration of folk music, song and dance.

Following the opening concerts at the North Euston Hotel Thursday (September 2), a further 130 events will run during the weekend at 17 different venues throughout the town.

Popular demand will see the return of Show of Hands, having toured the world and gained a huge international following since their performance at the festival last year. Waterson & Carthy will also make their return to the Fylde.

The backbone of the festival is the regional artists who bind the festival together. These range from Cooper's Motley Crew and the Alan Bell Band to Beer for Breakfast and the Fleetwood Mashers.

Various workshops and competitions will be held to highlight and encourage interest in a wide range of traditions, such as the Lancashire and Cheshire Clog Dancing Contest and the Lancashire Dialect Competition. There is also a Young Performers Competition and the Worst Singer in the World Contest.

Local writers, Ron Baxter and Ross Campbell will also tell and sing of the ABC of piracy in their unique show entitled, Adventurers, Buccaneers & Corsairs.

Tickets for the event are £36, children up to the age of 10 are admitted free and entry for older children is half price. Individual session tickets are available from £4.

For further information, or to book, call Alan Bell on (01253) 872317.

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