THE merry month of May is almost upon us – and Holmfirth is getting ready to party!

The Festival of Folk, which takes place from Friday to Sunday May 11 to 13, is renowned for its happy, family-friendly atmosphere.

With a virtually non-stop feast of music, dance and fun for all ages, the festival is the biggest weekend in the Holmfirth calendar, attracting visitors from near and far.

Wherever you go, fiddles, accordions, whistles and bells can be heard wafting through the air as colourfully costumed dance sides entertain the crowds.

The goodwill shown by valley residents and support from the town's business community year after year play a vital role in the success of the weekend, organised entirely by volunteers from the immediate area.

It offers a platform for talented performers who are not ‘big names’ but have something special to offer. Many have their roots in and around Holmfirth or elsewhere in Yorkshire.

The Saturday afternoon procession through the town centre (3.30pm-5pm) is always a highlight of the weekend, starting from the Memorial Gardens, along Hollowgate, over the Toll House Bridge, along Huddersfield Road and up Cooper Lane to Victoria Park. The procession will culminate in a spectacle of dance in the newly renovated park, overlooking the town.

Workshop sessions give you a chance to get involved, including: Saturday May 12, samba drums with Ritmo Unido (Barnsley Samba Band), Saturday May 12, 11am-noon; circus skills for all the family with the Bread and Butter Theatre Company, approx 1pm; and African drumming with Phil Needham, 1.45pm. All three sessions take place in the Methodist Church grounds, near Crown Bottom. Sunday May 13: Maypole dancing with Spiral Dancers, from Marsden, 11am-noon, in Victoria Park; Appalachian step dancing with Sue Coe, Dan and Jake from Ryburn 3 Step, 11am-noon, upstairs in the Market Hall. The Good Egg Band will once again be leading the traditional Sunday afternoon family ceilidh.

The festival website lists more than 30 groups, duos and solo singers-musicians who will be taking part, including The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican, renowned for ‘comical lyrics about life in t’North’ and lively songs ‘played on geetars, banjos, bouzouki and ukulele’ – expect the unexpected!

More volunteer stewards are needed.

If you can spare time, contact enquiries@holmfirthfestivaloffolk.co.uk

Website: www.holmfirthfestivaloffolk.co.uk