Sidmouth Folk Festival is set to return to the town for its 69th consecutive year this week.

It will last from Friday 4 to Friday 11 August, with the traditional start happening tonight in Market Square at 7.30pm with Great Western Morris, Sidmouth Steppers, Sidmouth Traditional Mummers, Mrs Midnight's and others.

Sidmouth Steppers on the seafront (Kyle Baker Photography)

Also performing today are Cornish musical sensations Fisherman's Friends.

During the festival week, there will be major concerts, ceilidhs and folk dancing, as well as storytelling, family entertainment, youth-centred sessions and hands-on workshops.

Fisherman's Friends at Sidmouth Folk Festival 2022 (Kyle Baker Photography)

Festival Director John Braithwaite said: "There's the usual massive choice of concerts, storytelling, a huge variety of dance and 200+ workshops which you can enjoy just for fun.

"Bulverton is the place for meeting up after hours again this year, with plenty more during the day too. Just get up there, have some creative making fun, have a meal, then carry on for the evenings with some great music from Seth Lakeman, Talisk, Skerryvore and more.

"If Blackmore or The Ham have caught your eye, we have great daytime Ham concerts —John Tams, Eliza Carthy, remembering Paul Sartin and many more.

"The evenings, too many highlights to list, are spectacular so get your tickets quickly if you haven't already."

Click here to view the full programme, and here to book tickets.