Gig is an extra highlight for folk festival line-up (From Gazette & Herald)

Gig is an extra highlight for Ryedale Folk Weekend line-up

3:11pm Wednesday 2nd May 2012 in What's on

ORGANISERS of the fifth Ryedale Folk Weekend have announced the addition of a further event to the festival’s schedule.

An extra concert, on Sunday, May 27, features the sounds of The Old Dance School, a band with a growing following among fans of folk, roots and world music.

Playing their own original music and songs, their Ryedale performance comes days before their third album is released.

The festival, which is based at The New Inn, Cropton, from May 25- 27, features more than 50 performers.

Artists featured come from all parts of the UK and even as far afield as New Zealand to the festival, which has become a popular choice among folk music lovers and has earned itself some glowing comments such as ‘a real jewel on the moor’, ‘friendly’, with ‘excellent performers’ and even ‘inspirational’.

Headliners over the three days include concertina virtuoso Steve Turner, ‘Best of British’ folk duo Richard Grainger and Chris Parkinson, and from Scotland, the Tannahill Weavers.

They will be joined by a host of performers including 4Square, Jack Badcock and Ciaran Ryan, Polly Barrett, Cruel Folk, Martin Curtis from New Zealand, Steve Dawes and Helen Pitt, Nick Dow, Fools Gold, Bob Fortune, A Giants Cause, Chris Milner, Stormcrow, Peter Taylor, Trevor Reed, Quickthorn, Songcast and Karnos Circus.

“Local artists are also very important to us and we play our part in giving these artists an opportunity to play their music to a wide audience,”

said festival director, Jeanette Grainger.

“While much of our audience comes from the local area, there are many who travel from much further afield, including the Midlands, London and the South West, so we are pleased to make a contribution to tourism and the local economy,” she added.

Organisers are confident the festival will continue to grow and are thrilled with their new site in Cropton, near Pickering.

“The New Inn is famous for its good food and real ale. It offers lovely en-suite rooms, but for those who want to have the full festival experience, there is also ample room for camping too,” said Jeanette.

Cropton Village Hall is a further venue for a host of workshops, singarounds and sessions and dance displays.

For ticket prices and further details, visit festivalonthemoor.co.uk or call the festival office 01287 660060.