Spirited, sexy, acoustic folk with a Russian twist; hammered dulcimers and hurdy gurdies; Morris dancers a-plenty; and feisty, young would-be Kate Bushes – after the success of last year’s inaugural event, Dacorum Folk Fest is back.

Produced in conjunction with Folkstock Arts Foundation and The Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead, the festival will include an afternoon showcase of emerging stars from the acoustic folk and roots scene – including KARA, Laura Victoria, Ben Smith, Marina Florance, and Kelly Oliver.

This will be followed by the Acoustic Showcase Special that includes Ange Hardy, Damian Clarke, Garry Smith, and Caz Forbes and Ste Moncrieff.

There will also be free workshops, Morris dancing and face-painting, and you can bring along your instruments or your voice and make some music of your own.

The day’s finale will be a headline concert featuring Black*Scarr, Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer, and Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker.

  • Dacorum Folk Fest is at the Old Town Hall, High Street, Old Town, Hemel Hempstead, on Saturday, July 19 from 1pm. Details: 01442 228091, oldtownhall.co.uk