ONE of the highlights in West Devon each summer is the Dartmoor Folk Festival, which is centred on the village of South Zeal.

It attracts people from far and near, who meet up to hear top artists from the folk world performing alongside some of the best local entertainers.

This year the line-up includes: The Young Coppers, Steamchicken, Mawkin:Causley, Keith Donnelly, Mick Ryan and Paul Downes, Wistman’s Wood and Jim Bainbridge. Also appearing will be Rob Pudner, Dave Wills, Tony Beard (The Wag from Widecombe) and the Dartmoor Pixie Band.

From Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, the Dartmoor Folk Festival will include the Dartmoor Step Dance and Broom Dance Championships, a Dartmoor Fayre, craft displays, dances, a music hall, ceilidh, workshops, folk service, pub sessions, children’s entertainment, plus a Sunday ramble.

In addition to Morris and Dance Teams, there will be an increase on the new and exciting Children’s Festival, which includes circus skills, storytelling, arts and crafts, music sessions, and much more.

The Dartmoor Folk Festival was founded by local musician, the late Bob Cann BEM, who had the idea that he would like to start his own folk festival to help revive and preserve the traditions of Dartmoor and, in particular, the traditional music, dance, song and crafts of the area. His inspiration is continued by an association of local enthusiasts, including members of his own family and friends, and this will be the 31st annual festival.

Events take place at the village playing field, in South Zeal’s Victory Hall, at St Mary’s Church and other venues.

Local crafts will be exhibited in the craft tent and there will also be sideshows, dance displays, and much more. There is a caravan and campsite with all the usual facilities.

The Festival begins on the Friday with a Folk Concert and Dance.
On the Saturday morning there are workshops and music and song sessions.
On Saturday afternoon, there is a concert, which is followed by the Grand Dart-i-moor Fayre, from 2.30-5pm, which will feature the Dartmoor Broom Dance Championships and the Dartmoor Step Dance Championships. The Step Dance competition is one of the main traditions associated with the festival. It involves dancers trying to out-step one another on a 15-inch square board, to win a place in the competition’s final, which is held on an old hay wagon.

A workshop is run during the morning that teaches the basic steps and those who take part are invited to compete. A junior and senior champion is selected. Wearing shoes with hard soles is advised.

The Dartmoor Broom Dance Championship is for primary school aged children only. Another Dartmoor tradition, this competition involves dancing with a broom, or rather over a broom.
Children are invited to learn the series of moves involved at a workshop also held on Saturday morning. On Saturday evening there is a concert and ceilidh.

A ramble on Dartmoor is the first activity on Sunday, followed by a children’s workshop, dance workshops, song and music sessions and a Folk Service at South Tawton Parish Church.
Sunday afternoon includes music, song and dance at the playing field arena from 2pm to 4.30pm. There will also be a concert and children’s evening, after which the weekend concludes with a grand Music Hall.

Alan Quick, Festival publicity officer, explained: “An action-packed programme has been arranged and we are looking forward to a great festival. “There will be three days of music, song and dance, plus much more,” he said. “The festival is one of the highlights of the summer on the moor and it certainly shouldn’t be missed. “Entertainment is arranged for the whole family and there are events to take part in or simply sit and watch. “The weather will not be a problem either, because large marquees are erected to transfer into under cover, if needed. “We look forward to a successful and enjoyable festival.”

For further information send an SAE to the secretary, Mrs Jane White, Sunnyhill, Zeal Head, South Zeal, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2JL.

Dates

Festival 2008 08/08/2008 - 10/08/2008

Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

Sunday 09:00 - 17:00