MUSICIANS, clogdancers, Punch & Judy men and singers will be making their way to Bromborough next month for the fifth Wirral Folk on the Coast festival.

A line-up of national, international and local musicians will be performing a mixture of contemporary and traditional music at five concerts over three days.

There is also a Fringe festival held in the grounds of the refurbished OC Centre, formerly The Octel Club, on Bridle Road, where the main event is taking place.

Tickets are available for the full weekend, which includes camping, or for individual days or concerts.

“It will be a wonderfully friendly atmosphere with many folk music enthusiasts and the general public attending the concerts,” says festival director John Owen.

“There will be a wide range of acts who hail from many parts of the British Isles and France, ranging from traditional to contemporary folk musicians and singers, bands, duos, solo performers and Shanty Singers.

“Workshops will include Guitar tuition, guitar and fiddle making, songwriting, slip-juggling demonstrations, Punch & Judy Shows, story-telling and informal music sessions.”

Musicians booked for the five main concerts include Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes, Gordon Giltrap, Mike Silver, Anthony John Clarke Band, The Churchfitters, Kerfuffle, Shona Kipling and Damien O’Kane, Les Barker, Stanley Accrington, Elbow Jane, Chris Moreton, Joe Topping and The Bogtrotters.

The Fringe event will include performances from The Shellback Chorus, The Marrowbones, Graham Bellinger, Bill Malkin, Loctuptogether, Hazard Hollow, Lisa Nunnery and Vidar, John and Ailsa Booth, Scolds Bridle and The Sheffield Friends Music Group.

There will also be a craft fair on Saturday and Sunday, “Chance to Meet” artists sessions and displays featuring belly, Morris, clog and Irish dancing.

“The whole festival is aimed at attracting a wide range of people of all ages, including families and children,” says John.

“Ticket sales have increased each year, together with an increase in the number of general public visitors enjoying the Craft Fair and wide variety of free entertainment.”

The festival starts on Thursday June 4, with a free Open Mic night in the OC’s main bar-lounge.

The festival is partly financed by Wirral Borough Council and a grant from the Arts Council’s National Lottery funding.

WIRRAL Folk on the Coast takes place Thursday June 4 to Sunday June 7. Weekend tickets cost £55, including free camping, day tickets for Saturday/Sunday are £25 and tickets can also be purchased for individual concerts.

All fringe entertainment is free. Call 0151 652 0734/678 9902 for details or visit www.wirralfolkonthecoast.com