The Sidmouth Folk Festival returns this August with a stellar lineup including legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter Richard Thompson, sublime Gaelic singer and BBC TV presenter Julie Fowlis, Scotland's all-woman supergroup The Shee and the hugely-entertaining Australian male voice phenomenon The Spooky Men's Chorale.

The whole thing gets underway with a pre-festival special concert by hit-making Geordie folk-rockers Lindisfarne on Thursday, August 1, followed by the legendary Ralph McTell on the afternoon of Friday, August 2.

Sidmouth Folk Festival officially begins on Friday, August 2, and ends on Friday, August 9.

Appearances by local heroes Steve Knightley and Seth Lakeman are both highly-anticipated. The former is celebrating his Sidmouth half-century with a special show at The Ham entitled 50 Shades Of Sidmouth while the latter - fresh from touring the world with Led Zeppelin superstar Robert Plant, is expected to deliver a roof-raising performance at The Bulverton.

Established festival favourites like Quebecois trailblazers Le Vent Du Nord, award-winning duo Nancy Kerr and James Fagan and master songsmith and guitarist Martin Simpson make welcome returns, alongside a host of exciting first-time at Sidmouth acts including glorious Kurdish singer Çigdem Aslan, Irish sensation Lisa O'Neill, and exceptional instrumentalist Gwenifer Raymond.

Sidmouth Ceilidhs are renowned for fun, energy and great danceable bands. Fill your dance card with a line-up of leading ceilidh bands and callers from around the country including: Whapweasel, Token Women, Threepenny Bit and Blackbeard's Tea Party.

The big news for Folk Dance enthusiasts is the introduction of a new venue. The historic Music Room at Sidholme Hotel boasts glass chandeliers, a magnificent painted dome and a frieze with musical motifs.

The 200+ Workshop Events programme at Sidmouth Folk Festival offers an opportunity to learn and develop skills in a huge variety of music, dance and song styles within a safe and welcoming community of teachers and learners.

Expect some wonderful new ideas as well as many tried and tested favourites at the Children's Festival in 2019, packed with opportunities for music, dance, song, to make things, to see fantastic shows and enjoy the great atmosphere in the hub of the Children's Festival at Blackmore Gardens.

There is another anniversary to celebrate at the 2019 Youth Festival, as Shooting Roots turns 25.

A spokesman for the festival said: "Expect a special year of shimmering silver shenanigans as well as the usual great assortment of craft, dance, theatre and band workshops for 12-17 year olds, and some special performance opportunities.

"Look out for a special collaboration with the superb Stream Of Sound choir, who are turning 21 themselves, and appearances from the National Youth Folk Ensemble.

"With an ear to the past and an eye on the future, The Sidmouth Folk Festival really is the music- filled seaside holiday with something for everyone."

Tickets are available now from: Tourist Information Centre (TIC) Ham Lane, Sidmouth, EX10 8XR. Phone: 01395 577952.

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