Beverley Folk Festival has announced major additions to the line-up including Steve Tilston. One of the country’s most celebrated singer/songwriters, a winner of the Folk Awards “best song” category and the inspiration behind a new film starring Al Pacino which tells the story of a “lost letter” John Lennon sent to Steve when he was a struggling young folk singer.

Also joining the festival line-up is the Merry Hell & the Buffalo Gals Stampede who will feature in a new late night venture by the festival. Along with US band, Billy Lee & The Swamp Critters, they’ll be appearing on successive nights on the new Big Top stage for what’s described as “Bop in the Big Top”.

Even more Americana comes courtesy of Hull-born Emma King who recently returned to the City after 5 years of touring the United States while based in Nashville, where she recorded in the legendary Sun Sound studios, acknowledged as the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Headliners Kate Rusby, Steeleye Span, Animals & Friends, Gillmore & Roberts, Acoustic Strawbs, Jez Lowe, The Lindisfarne Story and Tim Edey are already attracting what’s anticipated to be record audience levels to the Beverley Racecourse site.

“We’ve got more acts than ever before,” says Festival Chairman, Geoff Sargieson, “around 100 in all, representing a 30% increase in what’s on offer. There’s also been an increase in other areas of the festival’s wide and varied programme of events with performances taking in comedy, the spoken word, local choirs, children’s activities, dance teams, the film club and a craft fair”

“The “Spring Special” full weekend deal for the festival, priced at £105, is available until midnight on 12^th April. offering a saving of £10 on the full price. Concession and family weekend deals are also available, plus an add on camping option.” he added.

For those unable to make the whole weekend, the festival offers full day, half day and main stage evening concert tickets.