THE village of Belthorn will become the place for music lovers as it holds its first music festival on September 8 and 9.

A large marquee is being erected in the village which will host two nights of live music from some of the best-known folk and roots acts from around the area.

On Friday, the headline act will be Gone Beggin' with support from Dalriada, Brett Slater and Richard Moss.

Then on Saturday night, the line-up includes Moorland Folk, copper Kettle, Slightly Faded and Pelican Babies.

Clive Carroll, the festival director, said: "The festival replaces the traditional barn dance which we have held in the village previously.

"It is a festival of arts and music with a strong folk bias but there should be something for everyone.

"Having hired the marquee we realsed that it would cost no more to have it for two days rather than one and the event grew from there."

A full sound system, run by the same experts who supervised Blackburn's Arts in the Park Festival in July has been installed and seating will be available within the marquee.

"The maximum we can fit in under the terms of our licence is 499," said Clive.

The shows on both nights will run from 7.30pm to 11.30pm.

On Saturday there will be a party in the park, essentially a free event for the children of the village, which will include a variety of stalls, a demonstration from the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and a disco.

Belthorn's music festival is on Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9. Tickets: Friday £8, Saturday £9 or £14 for both nights, from the Dog Inn and the Packhorse in the village or on the night.