YORK’S Little Festival of Live Music returns alongside the York Food and Drink Festival this month with a stellar line-up of York performers and musicians from across Yorkshire and beyond.

Running from September 22 to 24 and September 27 to 30 in the Music Marquee on Parliament Street, it will present an eclectic range of performers showcasing original work across a broad musical spectrum.

Curator Ellen Cole picks ten acts you should not miss.

Joshua Burnell & Band, September 22, 8pm

THIS prog-rock folk band have shaken the world of folk with their epic fantasy ballad and fiddle tunes, bolstered by the swirling distortion of Hammond Organ.

"They're known as one of the finest folk bands in York and I'm confident their performance will set feet stomping and will captivate our audience," says Ellen.

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Grinny Grandad

Grinny Grandad, September 23, 8pm

THIS big beat and funk music collective rarely play in their hometown of York. "We’re thrilled they wanted to come on board with this year’s festival; they're highly regarded as one of the best music collectives in the country," says Ellen.

"They'll be playing alongside Supermoon, Laura Kindelan and Ramble Gamble and together they make the perfect music combination in a day filled with unexpected musical delights."

Chris Helme, September 24, 5pm

"I'm over the moon he's joined our line-up," says Ellen. "Chris is a natural talent and if you haven’t heard his solo material then you will be in for a surprise.

"His work is perfectly arranged, he has a great vocal ability and a wonderful stage presence. Chris is an acoustic gem."

Boss Caine, September 24, 8pm

Dan Lucas's collective will perform mesmerising folk and Americana songs as the Sunday headliners. "Boss Caine will be playing alongside Chris Helme, Gracie Falls and Smith'n'Wallace during the event and it's going to be an immersive evening," says Ellen.

Slack Habits, September 27, 8pm

New smoky blues band will play festival's New Music Night. "I've been aware of Slack Habits since 2016 when they first formed and spent six months perfecting their distinctive sound," says Ellen. "They're they unique, fun, and they add in elements of theatricality to their performances.

"I'm proud we're hosting a New Music Night, offering new musicians the opportunity to showcase their work in front of an appreciative audience."

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Edwina Hayes

Edwina Hayes, September 28, 5pm

"She writes beautiful songs, has a charming stage presence and has the voice of an angel," says Ellen. "Edwina is a true natural talent of gentle folk-Americana and I'm honoured she's returning to the festival again."

Heather Findlay, September 28, 5pm

Heather sang lead vocals with York classic rock band Mostly Autumn for 13 years. "She's since created a hugely successful solo career, playing at some of the biggest festivals," says Ellen.

"She and her band interweave folk, rock and acoustic styles to create thoughtful and beautiful music, and the Thursday bill with Heather, Edwina, The Bronze and Mulholland is going to be a relaxed evening of great music."

Andy Doonan, September 29, 7pm

After a break from the music scene, Doonan makes his comeback performing old favourites and new material. "If you want to hear it, make sure you make your way to the festival," says Ellen.

The Blueprints, September 29, 8pm

Another act returning after a hiatus. "We can't wait to see them back in action! They are a power-pop band, who know how to get audiences up and dancing, and it's likely they'll be sharing some new material with the festival audience," says Ellen.

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Kymberley Kennedy...and Kymberley Kennedy

Kymberley Kennedy, September 30, 7pm

Powerhouse alternative R&B artist returning to the festival by popular demand. "Kymberley will be part of the last night, filled with high energy performances as the perfect finale," says Ellen.

Entry to York’s Little Festival of Live Music is free; each day's music line-up will be from 5pm to 9pm. For full festival details, visit yorkfoodfestival.com or facebook.com/YorksLittleFestivalOfLiveMusic or follow on twitter.com/live_music_fest