The full programme of events for this year's Sidmouth Folk Festival has now been released – along with a message from the festival's director, John Braithwaite.

He says the festival team are 'overjoyed' to be back again, presenting this year's scaled-down event which aims to distil the best elements of the festival into a 'celebration' of its return.

Mr Braithwaite has thanked everyone who supported the crowdfunder, and the 3,000 people who responded to the survey to help shape this year's event.

He said this year's festival has been planned to be as safe as possible and ensure Covid compliance, using the outdoor spaces of Blackmore Gardens for the programmed shows and the Ham for the main meeting, eating and drinking area with a less formal programme.

He added: "There are aspects of a full festival that we have had to omit when planning in April/May as these activities weren't feasible, including a full dance programme, indoor workshops, big indoor concerts and standing events, etc."

However, the lunchtime ceilidhs will be taking place at The Anchor.

The online festival runs alongside the main event, providing a busy Zoom workshop programme and pre-recorded musical performances.

Mr Braithwaite said: "Everything is new this year; we have had to design it from scratch, encountered some apparently intractable problems for which we found solutions. That's another way of saying, we ask for your patience - as you know we set high standards."

He has also thanked the whole 'festival family': the county, district and particularly town councils, local hospitality businesses which have battled through a tough time, the English Folk Dance and Song Society, the Arts Council, England's Culture Recovery Fund and the district council's discretionary fund, along with all the individual supporters.

He concluded: "We want to extend a warm welcome to those who are making the 'pilgrimage' as usual and those who are giving it a try, perhaps for just a day. Enjoy our 'Celebration' festival, a unique event in a beautiful setting."

The full programme can be found here.