Ellesmere Port will once again play host to a festival of folk music, dance and poetry at the Whitby Club later this year.

The 12th Wirral Folk Festival takes place from June 2-5 and is now recognised as one of the best in the region, attracting folk music and dance enthusiasts from all parts of the UK and Europe.

Events will take place in the main building and the festival campsite will be located in the grounds.

The festival begins on the Thursday evening with a Sing in the Festival concert in the Oak Room. Admission is free.

As usual the main attraction will be five main stage concerts that will take place in the large main concert hall on the evenings of Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the afternoons of Saturday and Sunday.

Ralph McTell is one of the headline artists at the 12th Wirral Folk Festival in Ellesmere Port
Ralph McTell is one of the headline artists at the 12th Wirral Folk Festival in Ellesmere Port

This year’s headline acts are the internationally renowned folk singer/songwriter Ralph McTell on the Friday, Heidi Talbot and Oysterband on Saturday, Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies on Sunday with the final concert on Sunday evening featuring Scottish singer Eddi Reader, formerly of the band Fairground Attraction.

Support acts on the main stage will be Flossie Malavialle, Becky Mills, BarlowCree, Joe Topping, Granny’s Attic, Calico, Welcomme, Finnan & Chrimes, Two Coats Colder, Gerry Ffrench and Chris Bannister (a John Denver tribute act).

The Festival Fringe programme is diverse and will include a craft fair, mini-concerts, ‘Chance to Meet’ artists sessions, workshops in songwriting, traditional tunes, guitar playing, ukulele, bodhran, whistle, watercolor painting and poetry.

There will also be singalongs, singarounds, open mic sessions, an ‘F’ (folk) Factor Talent Showcase, ukulele concerts and morris dance displays and workshops. Many events on the fringe are free and family friendly.

Full information can be found on the festival website at www.wirralfolkonthecoast.com and tickets can be purchased by ringing the box office on 0151 652 0734 or online at www.wegottickets.com. Tickets can also be purchased personally at the Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton or on line at www.ticketswirral.co.uk.