Billy Bragg will headline the hugely popular Warwick Folk Festival, which returns for its milestone 40th spectacular year from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 July at Warwick School and the surrounding town.

The family friendly festival will bring together other leading names from around the world, including Skerryvore, Karan Casey, Calan, Will Pound & Eddy Jay, Breabach, O’Hooley & Tidow and Nancy Kerr for a four-day music and dance extravaganza. The festival has something for everyone from dedicated folk fans to music lovers and covers a wide range of tastes and styles including blues, rock, country and funk. Billy will perform on the Thursday in the main marquee, supported by 'hypnotically original' new folk collective Bird in the Belly.

Dick Dixon, Festival Director, says: "We are delighted to be celebrating our special 40th year and want everyone to come and enjoy that special Warwick Folk Festival magic. We have something for everyone, whether it’s great music, camping, workshops, singing or dancing at what is one of the friendliest and established folk festivals around. Billy is an exciting addition to a line-up that celebrates the full range of the eclectic folk world along with the rest of our superb award winning folk stars”.

To help celebrate their 40th year the organisers are asking people to send in photographs capturing memories of earlier festival moments such as engagements, births, chance meetings that have sparked musical and personal projects and generations growing up with the festival. Please send images by email to info@warwickfolkfestival.co.uk or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/warwickfolkfestival

Visitors to the festival can choose from Friday to Sunday tickets, Thursday to Sunday tickets or just visit for the day, plus under 14s go free. Tickets can be booked online. For more information visit www.warwickfolkfestival.co.uk

PHOTO: Murdo McLeod