ORGANISERS of Bedale’s acoustic music festival have announced that Martin Carthy, one of the of the folk scene’s most revered performers, is coming to North Yorkshire.

Mr Carthy, who has been centre stage in the UK folk scene for almost 50 years, will headline a concert during the BAMfest Festival next May.

“This is a real coup for BAMfest,” said spokesman John Knighton.

“Martin Carthy is a top performer on the UK folk scene and we are thrilled he has agreed to play in Bedale.”

Mr Carthy MBE is an English folk singer and guitarist who has remained one of the most influential figures in British traditional music.

It was his version of Scarborough Fair, released in 1965, that was picked up by Paul Simon and appeared on Simon and Garfunkel’s album Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme in 1966 and became a huge worldwide hit.

He was named Folk Singer of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2002, and again in 2005.

People living in and around Bedale can get an extra £5 off the price of a BAMfest weekend ticket up until December 31.

The offer is on top of earlybird ticket prices, which means an adult weekend ticket is only £45 with under-21s only £15.

Mr Knighton added: “We believe we have one of the best-value festivals around. We are determined to bring the best musicians to Bedale and at the same time keep prices down.

“Bamfest is committed to supporting and engaging with the local community and local businesses. This is an initiative to encourage local people to have the opportunity to fully participate in the festival.”

The music event will take place in Bedale from Friday, May 30 until Sunday, June 1 next year with performances across the town.

For more information call the BAMfest hotline on 07925-817116 or email info@bamfest.co.uk.