The family-friendly, volunteer-run community event, near the National Trust Workhouse on the outskirts of the town, takes place from Thursday, June 6, to Sunday, June 9.

In addition to lots of music, dance displays, ceilidhs, workshops and puppet shows, there will be a beer and cider festival, craft and food stalls, street theatre, sculpture in the woods and a children’s festival.

The acclaimed headline acts include the multi-award-winning Oysterband, Show Of Hands, Home Service, Roddy Woomble and Eliza Carthy and Jim Moray.

Joining them are youngsters BBC2 folk award winners Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar, Luke Jackson and Jess Morgan, who has been championed by BBC DJ Steve Lamacq.

Lucy Ward, a singer, songwriter guitarist and concertina player featured on the BBC’s Inside Out programme, pictured right, returns to Southwell by popular demand.

Lucy, 22, of Derby, is regarded as one of the rising talents of the British roots music scene.

Also on the bill are the newly-reformed Faustus, British folk’s best double act Tim Edey and Brendan Power and the award-winning Rura from Scotland.

Ireland is represented by multi-instrumentalist Niamh Ni Charra, sibling trio The Henry Girls and in-demand guitarist John Doyle.

Adding a truly international flavour there is bluesman Matt Andersen, the power trio Genticorum and Gordie ‘Crazy Legs’ MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys, all from Canada.

Publicity officer Len Brown said: “As usual the festival is guaranteed to provide a great long weekend of music, song, dance and family fun, at the workhouse site and other locations throughout Southwell.”

Tickets are available at the Minster Shop, Southwell on 01636 812933, Woodlanders in King Street, Southwell or via the website at www.southwellfolkfestival.org.uk