IT’S a mix of familiar favourites and new talent at the 21st Leigh Folk Festival.

June will see the arrival of folk artists both local and from further afield, with some top names and a diverse selection of acts appearing.

Folk legend Martin Carthy will top the bill – after being forced to pull out last year at the last moment due to illness.

He promised at the time he’d return this year, and he’s true to his word and due to play a special concert on June 23, at St Clements Church, in Leigh.

He’ll be supported by You are Wolf in an innovative blend of tradition and modernity.

Other top acts to appear over the weekend include Sharron Kraus, Alasdair Roberts, Brentwood singer Darren Hayman and popular act Danny and the Champions of the World along with singer/songwriter Jez Lowe, the Newcastle Fiddler Tom McConville with acoustic guitarist Dave Newey and Brit-folk young guns Mawkin.

Usually confined to the cobbles of Old Leigh and the library gardens, this year will see the festival stretch its reach into Southend, with a satellite Shangri-La event taking place in Warrior Square to tie in with the Olympic Sparks Will Fly cultural event running across Essex.

Hosted by Tom Burgess, who runs the regular night at the Railway Hotel in Southend, it’ll see a blend of contemporary folk and Americana.

The weekend will kick off with a Three Flying Ducks folk festival special, and will see Fake Thackray, the Jake Thackray tribute act, headlining the cult comedy club, with support from Helen Arney on ukulele.

For full line-up details and tickets for ticketed events, visit: www.leighfolkfestival.com