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If folk music is your passion, there's one event on the annual calendar that you can't afford to miss.

Sidmouth Folk Week has been pulling in the crowds for more than 50 years and 2008 is no exception.

The week-long festival, from 1-8 August, features more than 500 events covering the usual eclectic mix of styles.

A daily concert programme, featuring folk/dance bands from around the world, runs alongside folk clubs, ceilidhs, social dances, storytelling, talks and workshops.

Devon duo Show of Hands

Whether you prefer Irish fiddle or Northumbrian pipes, hurdy-gurdy or electric guitar, Sidmouth has it all.

On the first Friday evening there's a choice of entertainment.

In the Ham marquee,听 Devon's widely acclaimed acoustic roots duo, Show of Hands kick-off the festival, supported by the guitar, fiddle and oboe trio Isambarde.

Meanwhile the dance band Boka Halat will be setting the feet tapping in the Bulverton marquee playing a selection of听 English tunes infused with the rhythms of Africa and Asia.

Saturday's concert programme is led by Radio 2 'Best Duo' award winners John Tams and Barry Coope.

Also performing on Saturday are toe tappers Steamchicken and Boldwood.

The Celtic music band Dalla

Cornwall's foremost Celtic music band Dalla headline on Sunday with their traditional mix of clarinet, bouzouki and fiddle.

Fans of the Irish fiddle can also catch Martin Hayes double heading with Chicago born guitarist Dennis Cahill.

Monday offers music from diverse ends of the folk spectrum, the five-piece Afro-Cuban salsa band Quinteto Mambo Jambo and Karen Tweed, one of the finest exponents of the piano accordion.

Gadarene headline on Tuesday, blending obscure traditional English tunes with electronic sampling. And on Wednesday Sidmouth plays host to the world famous Northumbrian piper and fiddle player Kathryn Tickell and her band.

Folk band Token Women

The week draws to a close on Friday with sets from two women only bands - the exuberant and instantly infectious Token Women and The Poozies, a five-strong harmony group.

There's also an impressive line-up of dance teams at the 2008 festival including groups from Latvia, France and the Isle of Man.

The main focus of the dance displays will be the Blackmore Gardens Marquee at 2pm each day except Sunday and Friday.

Sidmouth Folk Week prides itself on promoting a creative programme of small scale events, workshops and other forms of entertainment targeted at all ages, with plenty of opportunities for singers and musicians to participate.

You can download a full programme from the festival website or call the box office on 01395 578 627.