THOUSANDS of people are expected to invade Fleetwood at the weekend for the Fylde Folk Festival (August 30 - September 1).

The spectacular event, in its 24th year, is now the second biggest of its kind in the country and this year boasts more than 130 events during the three days.

Concerts, workshops, and jam sessions will take place at Fleetwood's Marine Hall and at 18 other venues.

Major attractions include The McCalmans from Scotland and Sikhan from USA who play at the Marine Hall on Friday night.

Contemporary folk duo Show Of Hands, who earlier this year played to a sold-out Royal Albert Hall in London, play at the British Legion Club on Saturday and at the Marine Hall on Sunday.

Other acts include guitarist Martin Carthy, Mad Pudding from Canada, English singer-songwriter Roy Bailey, blues singer Michael Chapman, Celtic rock bands Fat Medicine and Gaelforce plus comedy and poetry from Lancashire comics Les Barker and Stanley Accrington.

Organiser Alan Bell began the Fylde Folk Festival in 1972 and believes this year it's going to be bigger and better than ever.

He said: "The festival gets more popular every year and we are already planning our 25th anniversary next year which promises to be huge."

Visitors can buy a weekend ticket for £29.50 which allows unrestricted access to all the events.

Alternatively fans can buy separate tickets for each event and some attractions are free.

For tickets contact Alan on 872317.

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