Traditional tunes and dances will be revived in their Derbyshire birthplace as part of a weekend event which has attracted award-winning musicians John Tams and Barry Coope and a galaxy of rising stars.

With the festival's accent on young artistes, traditional performing arts exponent Hannah James will be running five days of workshops at Ashover Primary School next week ahead of the main attraction, which kicks off on Friday, July 3.

Workshops

Administrative director Carolyn Pope said: "Hannah will be focusing on some of the local Ashover tunes and dances as well as giving the children the opportunity to experience a range of different types of dance and to improve their musical confidence and knowledge.

"The children will be asked to take part in a fund-raising concert on the Saturday evening where profit from the concert will be donated to Ashover Church spire appeal."

A small Lottery grant has helped to finance the children's workshops and other tutoring sessions which will run throughout the weekend.

Workshops in music, hosted by festival artistes such as Rosie Doonan, Elbow Jane and Lily Neill, as well as traditional dance and craft workshops will be held in the parish hall and Bassett Rooms for adults and children.

Afternoon and evening concerts will be staged in the parish hall, there will be music and song sessions in the Poets Corner and Black Swan pubs, a ceilidh and dance displays.

Revellers wishing to camp will be able to pitch tents on Ashover Showground and there will be off-road parking during the weekend.

Tickets for The Ashover Well Dressed Folk & Roots Festival are available from www.xelipromotions.co.uk or call (01246) 246330.