AFTER 700 applications from bands and musicians across the country keen to play at York’s Little Festival of Live Music, the line-up is in place for next month's event.

Festival curator Ellen Cole will present 28 hours of live music on September 21 to 23 and September 26 to 29, from 5pm to 9pm each evening, alongside the York Food and Drink Festival in Parliament Street .

"We're changing it up this year by introducing acts that York music lovers may not be familiar with," she says. "I think it's so important for any festival to keep moving and this time I wanted to be more daring by bringing in acts who I'd never heard of before. All the acts complement one another well and it's going to be great for our audiences to discover more talent not only from York, but also from further afield."

Ellen "never expected" to receive so many applications for her annual festival. "It's taken me nearly 12 weeks to go through them all. I'm truly grateful for all the acts who have been in touch and I'm gutted I couldn’t give them all a slot.," she says.

"Our festival seems to have taken a giant step forward this year and I'm incredibly honoured to have been part of this event for the past six years. It's family friendly, has disabled access and will be located in a large marquee on Parliament Street. The event always takes place alongside the York Food and Drink Festival, so there'll also be plenty of delicious food and drink available.

"This year, we've complied a number of themed nights, so that our audiences know what to expect musically each night. From folk to pop to country, we'll have something for everyone to enjoy, and the best part of York’s Little Festival of Live Music is that entry is free!”

Among those taking part will be Yorkshire folk and rock'n'roll group The Jon Palmer Acoustic Band; York's American/Britpop band Bull, fresh from touring Britain, America and Europe; East Riding folk singer Edwina Hayes, and York folk bluesman Boss Caine.

Signed up too are Molly Teasdale; The Rusty Pegs; Andy Doonan; Stan Smith; Laura Kindelan; Leather’o; Bruni; The Bronze; Paul Lewis; The Southern Wild and Union Jill.

Then add White Sail; Ramona Rose; Jack Parker; Flora Greysteel; Ava Rose and Charlie Daykin; Evie Barrand; Casee Wilson; Smith n Wallace; Nick Hall,; Rachel Croft and soul singer and 2018 MasterChef contestant Jess Gardham. North Lincolnshire folk group Ramble Gamble will return after rave reviews in 2016 and 2017.

"The line-up is phenomenal this year and we can't wait to see what our audiences think," says Ellen. "This year’s 28-hour event should not be missed, especially when there are so many exciting acts to be enjoyed. It's going to be such a treat .

"Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Throughout the event, we'll be fundraising for York Mind, a charity that helps people with mental ill health. Any donations, however big or small, will be greatly appreciated."

Charles Hutchinson