Sardinian sounds return to Okehampton's annual Baring-Gould Festival

A warm welcome awaits you at the Baring-Gould Folk Festival in Okehampton, hosted by Devon's folk arts charity Wren Music, and running from Friday 21st October to Sunday 23rd. Artists appearing in concert this year include the incredible Sardinian traditional vocal ensemble Sos Cantores de Gartéddi, making a welcome return, following on from their stunning performances at the Baring-Gould Folk Festival in 2007, along with the cream of Devon and England artists.

A major event this year is the Festival Feast on the Saturday evening in the comfortable setting of Okehampton Charter Hall. The Feast brings together a whole evening of songs and music from Festival artists, and an enticing spread with a hog roast and vegetarian food prepared by Devon-based chef Shaun McCahearty - formerly of the Royal Household - along with a selection of finest fare from Sardinia to complement the singing.

Over the weekend there will be concerts featuring the outstanding ballad singer Chris Coe, instrumental wizard Paul James (from Blowzabella and Evening Star), delightful vocal duo Marilyn Tucker & Paul Wilson, fiery fiddlers Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll, award-winning border piper David Faulkner, north Devon stalwarts Tom & Barbara Brown, the Baring-Gould song specialists Martin & Shan Graebe, and a rare chance to experience the lyrical sonic world of Solarference with their unique blend of traditional folk song and live electronics.

There are plenty of opportunities to join in for all ages. Take part in the folk dancing at the ceilidhs, where all the dances are explained and you need no prior experience nor special clothing - it is a fun, good natured way to meet people and get a bit of exercise too. There are singarounds and instrumental sessions in pubs, where you can take the lead, or join in a chorus - or just sit back and enjoy all the songs and music around you.

The Festival Orchestra and Festival Choir are open to all who wish to play or sing, with rehearsals on the Saturday and Sunday morning, and a performance on the Sunday afternoon. There are no auditions, you do not need to read music, and all voices and acoustic instruments are welcome to take part.

The festival has its very own prize Conker Competition (with conkers provided) for all ages, overseen by the well known Devon raconteur and singer, Bill Murray.

The Festival is inspired by the folk song collecting of Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) - one of the Victorian era's great social historical researchers. He undertook the first serious and sustained attempt to collect the traditional songs of the English peasantry and workers, predominantly in west Devon.

Weekend and Feast tickets are available now, and single events tickets will be available during the Festival. Weekend tickets for adults are £50, and there are also concessionary and young people's rates. The Festival Feast is only £15 for weekend ticket holders, or £20 on its own.

And there is a very special half price Weekend ticket offer for people who live in Okehampton town within the postcode area EX20 1, and for members of Wren Music's regular orchestras and choirs - just £25. These tickets are available from the Wren Music office at 1 St James Street, Okehampton EX20 1DW, or via Wren group leaders.

Find the full programme of concerts, ceilidhs and all the other activities at www.baring-gould.co.uk - tickets can be bought through this website. Alternatively, call Wren Music on 01837 53754 or drop in to the Wren Music office at 1 St James Street, Okehampton, EX20 1DW, between 10.00am and 5.00pm weekdays - it is down the alley behind St James Chapel, just by the three iron pigs.

The appearance by Sos Cantores de Garteddi at the Baring-Gould Folk Festival is supported by the Sardinian Council for Tourism and Trade and the Italian Cultural Institute. For more on Sardinia's thriving music and arts scene, and for offers and info about visiting the island, see www.sardegnaturismo.it/en