Bristol Folk Festival

Bristol Folk Festival - brought back to the city after an incredible 32 years in 2011 - returns in May 2012. Confirming its place on the UK festival calendar, the festival will be buzzing in Bristol over the early May Bank Holiday - a guaranteed 'rain free' event as it returns to one of the city's flagship venues, the Colston Hall.

Powerhouse band and 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards double winners Show of Hands headline the opening night – in a year that will see Steve Knightley and Phil Beer celebrating 20 years of their incredible partnership that has put them right at the top of British folk.

Afro Celt Sound System are the May Bank Holiday Monday headliner, in what is likely to be the band's only UK summer festival appearance this year. Towering and tribal, Simon Emmerson's stellar, twice-Grammy nominated Afro Celt Sound System fuses traditional Celtic tunes with driving African rhythms and hypnotic, cutting edge dance grooves. One of the most inspirational and innovative collectives ever, eight of the best musicians on the planet promise to bring the 2nd Bristol Folk Festival at Colston Hall to an unforgettable close on Monday, May 7.

Two of folk's finest female performers will be bringing a burst of Celtic class to the festival. Both multiple award winners, Ireland's Cara Dillon and Scotland's Karine Polwart are among the most esteemed artists on the acoustic scene. Honey-voiced Dillon - with special guests Michael McGoldrick, Donal Lunny and Máirtín O'Connor - will be the headline act on Sunday, while singer songwriter Polwart will appear with her Trio on the opening day.

As well as up to 40 top acts, the festival will feature Morris dancers, mummers and maypoles, ceilidhs, workshops, singalong sessions, a market and 'posh loos'!

**Those wanting to camp for the festival will be able to stay at the impressive St Mary-on-the-Quay church. The church in Colston Street will welcome campers to its hall for just £12 a night (*under 15s accompanied by a responsible adult are full price but under 5’s go free.) Camping tickets are available from the Colston Hall Box Office.

See www.bristolfolkfestival.com for further information.