MORRIS dancers are preparing to descend on to Malton's market place as they whirl their way through intricate steps in decadent coloured outfits for the annual Malton and Norton Folk Festival.

Back for another year, this year’s festival promises to bring plenty of song, dance and music to the town across an entire weekend.

This year there will be everything from Border Morris to American Appalachian putting on a colourful display as they draw in crowds, wow them with their moves and hopefully get locals and residents on their feet and having a go themselves.

The festival kicks off on Friday, April 17 at Suddaby's Crown Hotel in the town centre with a meet and greet session and concert featuring Steve Turner and Tim O'Connor.

Steve is an internationally renowned performer who began his musical career on the Manchester folk scene back in the 1960s. His sixth album, Rim of the Wheel, received fantastic reviews and as a result he was booked for a host of festivals across the country.

Also from the Manchester music scene, Tim started out as a singer and songwriter before becoming the lead with a Celtic roots band, Swing.

Saturday will see the dancers fill the market place from 10.30am until later that afternoon with plenty of music and dancing. There will also be a folk, craft and trade fair in the Milton Rooms and a musician’s session at Suddaby's from 11.30am.

If you prefer singing then there will be a Singaround at The Blue Ball from 11.30am. All sessions welcome a variety of performers, whether you're an experienced musician to someone who just likes to have a sing-a-long in the shower, everyone is welcome.

Saturday night’s concert headliners are Blackbeards Tea Party and Chris Helme. Blackbeards Tea Party were named the best band to see at Glastonbury last year by the Huffington Post and are one of the most in-demand bands on the folk festival circuit.

Chris Helme was the front man of John Squire's post-Stone Roses band, The Seahorses and has been praised for his Indie folk tone. The festivals very own house band, Two Black Sheep & A Stallion, will also be performing.

Tickets are £9 for Friday night, £16 for Saturday night or £22 for both nights. For more details visit maltonfolk.co.uk.

Tickets are available from Suddaby’s, The Blue Ball, the Milton Rooms and from the festival office on 01653 696338. The festival office should also be contacted for the hire of a stall at the Saturday Craft Market.