GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham Folk Festival 2005 promises to be one of the best yet, bringing together some of the brightest young stars of the folk scene with some of its most accomplished and best loved veterans.

Gothic morris dancers, top concerts, dance and music displays, workshops for adults and young people and a colourful, bustling street fair are just some of the highlights of the three-day event which runs from May 27 to 30.

Festival organiser Bob Berry said: "I've been involved with the festival since 1988 and I reckon this is one of the best line-ups we've had."

More than 12,000 people are expected to attend some 200 events over the weekend.

One of the headline acts this year will be Roy Bailey, a personal hero for Mr Berry and an inspiration to thousands, including singer Billy Bragg and politician Tony Benn.

"No-one can beat him," said Mr Berry. "At concerts he gets a standing ovation for walking on the stage at the beginning. From the smallest child, to the oldest person, he communicates with everyone in the audience."

The Doonan Family Band will be another major attraction, the family having a track record going back many years to the days of the folk revival.

Folk stand-up comedian Sid Kipper will be another highlight, with his mix of stories, songs and improbable yarns.

And this year organisers have invited some of the hottest young talent in the folk scene including The English Acoustic Collective.

The trio play violin, viola and concertina, and have been hailed as one of the most interesting ensembles working in folk music.

The Devil's Interval is another ensemble of young performers, combining the vocal talents of Lauren McCormick, Jim Causley and Emily Portman. As well as working in the English song tradition, their repertoire includes an eclectic mix, from Tom Waits to Dolly Parton.

Winners of the BBC Radio 2 best duo award, John Spiers and Jon Boden, will also appear. Both in their 20s, the duo came onto the folk music scene in 2001 and wowed audiences with their daring and innovative arrangements.