TIBETAN monks will perform alongside Dorset morris dancers at an annual festival dedicated to celebrating the myths and legends of folk music.

The Wimborne Minster Folk Festival will take place once again between June 8 and 10. Some 30,000 people are set to visit the town during the course of the event.

This year, eight monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery - founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama - will be among those enjoying the festivities.

Paul Gunovsky, who manages volunteers at the event, said: "There are a few new additions to the festival this year.

"We're very pleased to welcome visitors from the monastery, who will create a sand mandala at the Priest's House Museum in the days before the festival begins.

"There will also be a new microbrewery in the High Street car park. We're expecting that to be very popular."

The festival procession will take place through the town on June 9 at 2.30pm. It will be led by civic dignitaries for the first time.

"It all coincided with a civic day for the new chair of East Dorset District Council," Mr Gunovsky said.

"The procession is likely to be the biggest yet."

More than 60 dance groups will perform in the streets of Wimborne during the festival. Visitors can also enjoy a range of live music, including a performance by Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, comedy shows, and children's entertainment.

Mr Gunovsky said: "There will be lots for families to do at the Allendale Centre and at Willow Walk by Waitrose.

"There really is an enormous variety of things to do."

The weekend will kick off with music in the Square between 6.30pm and 9pm on the Friday.

On the same evening, State of Play Arts will perform The Gathering, a play about two Dorset soldiers who fought in the First World War, at the Minster church.

The first ceilidh will take place at the Allendale Centre between 8.30pm and 11.30pm.

A full day of entertainment will then take place on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit wimbornefolk.co.uk