SEASIDE sounds will be floating down the estuary as Leigh’s answer to Glastonbury kicks off tomorrow.

The acclaimed Leigh Folk Festival returns for its 19th year and to celebrate its roots in the town, is inviting people to be a part of the music.

A number of workshops and participation classes are taking place over the four-day folk feast, to ensure the community which hosts the event can also be actively involved in it.

From sacred harp singing and introductory drumming workshops, to Scottish ceilidhs and singarounds, there’s a wide range of activities on offer.

An open mic competition will also provide a platform for aspiring folk musicians, with the winner earning a slot on one of the festival’s main stages.

“It’s very much about getting people involved,” explains organiser Paul Collier.

“Although we have got a national profile, at its heart, the Leigh Folk Festival is a community event. It’s rooted in the local community.

“I think folk culture is something that should involve the public and not just be about performance.”

Those more inclined to watch and listen however, can catch a huge number of artists across the festival’s 11 venues and stages, which include pubs, churches and cafes.

The Peter Boat pub’s car park and Billet Wharf in Leigh’s Old Town will provide stages for this year’s big names such as Megson and Nancy Wallace (see story left).

Smaller venues such as the Clarendon Scouts Hut and Sarah’s Tea Garden, both in High Street, will offer more intimate settings for soloists and less established acts.

“It’s foremost in my mind what’s going to work on what stage,” says Paul.

“Venues like Sarah’s Tea Garden are great to get up-close and personal with the performers, whereas the Peter Boat gives a big sound for big acts.”

Just as important as putting the right acts on the right stages, is the fact the event remains free of charge.

“Everything is pretty much free, and we claim to be the largest free folk festival in the UK,” adds Paul.

As well as the national and local acts that grace the various stages, the festival will draw on its traditional folk roots for its procession.

Starting at 1.15pm on Sunday*, the Westcliff Piping Society will lead hundreds of dancers from morris and English, to salsa and belly, down Old Leigh’s High Street.

“It’s the centre piece of the event, and a fabulous spectacle to see,” says Paul.

“The Leigh Folk Festival is in rude health and really has something to appeal to everybody.

“Check your prejudices in, and enter into the spirit of it!”