Racecourse setting for folk festival celebrating its 30th anniversary

The event, which began with a series of small concerts run by a handful of volunteers, will be staged at Beverley Racecourse for the first time between June 21 and 23.

Nearly 30 musical acts have already been confirmed including The Proclaimers, Henry Priestman and John Shuttleworth, 
while other attractions will include best-selling author Ian Rankin reading from his new book, Standing in Another Man’s Grave.

Support from new partners and sponsors have also been announced, with Beverley Film Society, the Hull music and arts venue Fruit, and Pocklington Arts Centre, the latest to come on board.

Chris Wade, the festival’s artistic director, said: “Over the past two years we have worked closely with other festivals, arts venues and organisations in the East Riding and surrounding area, to form a network of partners.

“We meet several times a year to share ideas and resources and offer marketing support for each other. In these times of austerity and cuts in the arts we have found it very beneficial.”

She added: “I am really excited about these new collaborations. They have given us an amazing programme of top quality artists with a broad appeal to all tastes and ages.

“The festival wants to give everyone an all round experience that they will take with them for the rest of the year – and hopefully come back next year.

“We are offering people the opportunity to get involved in the activities also, through workshops and participatory sessions as well as coming along as volunteers and helping to make the festival weekend a success.”

A taster event will take place at Fruit in Humber Street on Saturday, April 27, featuring Steve Tilston, Lucy Ward and Tom Morris.