ACOUSTIC heaven is descending on Dent this summer. Between June 27 and 29 the Dales village is set to play host to its second folk festival when there will be guitars galore and fiddles aplenty.

Last year the event rose up out of the ashes of foot-and-mouth as a way of bringing music to the mountains and putting the region back on the map.

One of the original festival organisers, Alec Lyon, said the first event had been a "tremendous success" which had encouraged the team to go back for a second bite of the cherry.

Highlights of this year's three-day epic will include:

- The McGoldrick Band - Michael McGoldrick returns to Dent after last year's awe-inspiring performance with an all-star line up including many of the musicians who played on his album Fused.

- Multi award-winning Martin Simpson - an acoustic guitarist with a global reputation.

- Jon Boden and John Spiers - winners of the BBC Folk Horizon' Award 2003, who have gained a reputation as one of the most exciting acts in the UK.

A host of other performers, workshops and attractions including real ale tents by Dent Brewery and Black Sheep will roll out across the weekend.

Prices for the top billings range from £5 to £12, with a ticket for all the weekend's music events costing £28.

Many attractions are absolutely free. More information, including accommodation details, can be found at http://www.dentdale.com or call 01524-582803 for tickets.

The Dent Folk Festival 2003 is funded by Awards For All, Cumbria County Council, South Lakeland District Council, Lyon Logistics, Kendal College, Black Sheep, Outline Professional Audio, Music Links, Sound Support and Dent Parish Council.

April 24, 2003 10:30