TICKETS are selling out fast for one of the region’s most eagerly awaited folk festivals.

From modest beginnings in a single venue in 2006, Sedgefield Folk Festival in Sedgefield, County Durham, now attracts established acts from across the UK and beyond.

This year, the festival, organised by Sedgefield Community Association, takes place from Thursday, September 4, to Sunday, September 7.

It will feature performances by internationally acclaimed artists, including Benny Gallagher, one half of the legendary Gallagher and Lyle.

Charlie Dore and Julian Littman, Prelude, Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies, The Young’uns, Kieran Goss, Izzy Burns Band, John Wrightson Band, Marie Little and Bert Draycott are among the other confirmed acts.

Folk fans can also look forward to the World Spoons Championships at Ceddesfeld Main Hall from 4pm on Saturday, September 6.

Tickets for the main gigs, on the Friday and Saturday night, have sold out but there are still seats available for Stockton to Darlington Ukulele Express and Ceddesfolk at Ceddesfeld Hall at 7.30pm on Friday, priced at £6.

Tickets also remain for The Seasonal Singers, Bert Draycott, The Izzy Burns Band and The Young ‘Uns at Sedgefield Parish Hall from 12.45pm on Saturday.

The festival will also include free singarounds and workshops, covering everything from storytelling and Northumbrian pipes, to ukulele playing and children’s storytelling.

Aspiring lyricists, meanwhile, can showcase their talent in a series of music and song-writing competitions from noon on Saturday at Ceddesfeld Hall.

For a full programme visit sedgefieldfolkfestival.co.uk

Tickets are available from 01740-621347.