SWANAGE FOLK festival is serving up yet another varied programme of experiences and entertainment this year.

It kicks off on Friday with a concert in the main marquee on Sandpit Field with Steve Tilston, Cloudstreet and New Rope String Band.

And those with the energy can dance Saturday night away when the Sandpit Field Marquee thrums to the music of openers Agglestone, then Hekety, led by Gordon Potts, one of the country's top callers.

The showpiece concert at Swanage Middle School featuring dynamic duo Spiers and Boden, Keith Donnelly, John Conelly and Isambarde also takes place on Saturday night.

Venues across the town will also be hosting events throughout the weekend, including performances by Faustus, Crucible, and Nancy Kerr and James Fagan.

But music is not the only thing on offer. Sandpits Field will be a haven of activities for children and will host a craft fair and events tent featuring free bands over the Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

And one of the highlights of the festival will no doubt be Saturday's procession of some 40 dance sides through the town, from the world of Morris, Appalachian, Clog, and more.

Those wishing to perform themselves will have opportunities at the White Horse Festival Folk Club or at sessions in pubs round the town. And there will a wide range of dancing and music workshops.

For full weekend ticket holders there is also a late night session on Saturday at the White Horse, where they can meet some of the stars and join them jamming the night away.

Sunday morning will see the popular folk service at St Mary's Church.

Further details from the Tourist Information Centre on 0870 4420 680.

l Saturday's procession starts at 3.30pm and Station Road, Institute Road and the lower part of the high street will be closed from 2.45pm to 5.15pm as it passes through. Kings Road East traffic will be reversed during this period.