This is claimed to be "the largest free folk festival in the county", with hundreds of performers and thousands of spectators. Musicians and dancers entertain the crowds with events ranging from traditional and contemporary folk music, through to blues; plus Celtic, English and Scottish dance groups, country dancing, morris sides, African dancers, international folk dance, jive and line-dancing.
The first artists for the 2008 festival have now been confirmed and include Tom Bliss, Phil Burdett, Julie Collings, Rachel Harrington, The Kittiwakes, Kirsty McGee & Mat Martin, Meridian, The Outside Track, Rachel Unthank & the Winterset, and The Zoltans amongst many, many others. For the line-up so far, click here.
In previous years on Thursday and Friday evenings, various singarounds and music sessions take place in Leigh's local pubs. On Saturday afternoon, family events are held in Leigh Library Gardens and at venues around the Broadway plus a Festival ceilidh starting at 7.30pm at St Margaret's Church and music and song sessions in the Old Town.
On Sunday, the Festival completely takes over the Old Town with dancing and stage events happening all along the High Street, on the wharves and on every piece of available open space. In the evening, there's the Family Barn Dance plus music sessions in local pubs.
Special entertainment is laid on for children including storytelling, Punch & Judy, clowns, puppet shows, face-painting and a circus skills workshop.
See the Leigh Folk Festival website for further details of artists, dance troupes and callers.
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