THE annual Leigh Folk Festival is gathering speed for a climatic final weekend of music.

For the first time in its 18 year history, the duration of the free music event was extended from four days to eight.

Yet with more than 70 acts still to play across makeshift stages, which include a truck, a Scout hut and a tea garden, before the festival finishes on Sunday, organisers insist the best is yet to come.

“The festival gradually builds through the week and is designed to reach a big grand finale this weekend,” says organiser Paul Collier.

“Sunday is the big day and we have so many things going on it’s difficult to know where to start.

“Basically, there’s music happening everywhere!”

International-famous artists, such as American folk star Rachel Harrington and former Sneaker Pimps singer Kelli Ali, will play along side local performers such as the Leigh acid folk band, the Owl Service.

New venues have also been added to this year’s festival with Sara’s Tea Garden, in High Street, and My Kitchen, in Leigh Road, now taking part.

The two biggest stages remain the Peter Boat car park and Billet Wharf, both in Leigh Old Town.

“We have tried to fit particular acts to certain stages,” explains Paul. For example, it’s mostly soloists at Sara’s Tea Garden.

“But there are lots of stages and people can move from one to another and pick and choose what they want to see.

“It’s as interesting as it is entertaining.”

But the centre piece of the festival is a procession of dancers along the Old Town’s High Street, from 1.15pm on Sunday.

Hundreds of dancers from morris to salsa will make their way to Victoria Wharf for a huge open air ceilidh.

The event also caters for families and children can get involved in a range of activities from puppet making and face painting, to storytelling and Punch and Judy.

“The idea is to appeal right across the age range and we’ve got a bit of something for everyone,” adds Paul.

The event sees Leigh transformed into a festival site.

Paul says: “It’s a bit like Glastonbury without the mud. We do have mud, but it’s kept firmly on the right side of the seawall.”