It’s all hands on deck for expanding folk festival

Annual event is now a must – but organisers need volunteers

This year’s Tenterden Folk Festival – the 25th – promises to be one of the biggest ever.

To celebrate the silver anniversary, the organisers are programming extra concerts and extending the length of the festival.

Organiser Alan Castle said: “We will be using all our usual venues plus several new ones, including The Glebe Hall in Church Road and The Secret Pantry in the High Street.

“This means we are seeking more enthusiastic local people to join our team of volunteers as stewards and volunteers for other roles.”

People are needed to check and sell tickets on the doors of events and to help stewards at venues.

Stewards are also needed for the marquees on the Recreation Ground, providing information to the public, helping stall-holders and musicians, marshalling the big Saturday procession and dance displays, and collecting money.

Volunteers are also required for setting up and taking down festival stages and marquees. Interested individuals or groups should contact Kathy and Bob Drage at kathybob@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk

Events at the festival include a barn dance, concerts, singa-rounds, music sessions, folk clubs, craft fair, street stalls and dance stages.

There will also be morris dancers, dance displays, processions, meet-the-guest spots, dancers and musicians on the K&ES Railway, and events for children.

The main concerts on Saturday and Sunday will be held in the Tenterden Club, while smaller acoustic concerts – including concerts on Friday – being held in the Saddlery at The White Lion.

A fundraising concert will take place on Thursday in the Town Hall. The folk festival runs from Thursday, October 5 to Tuesday, October 10.

For more i nformation on shows and times, visit tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk

Chapel Down is now a regular fixture at Royal Ascot and Oxbridge boat races

Last year’s festival in full swing