SWANAGE FOLK FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 5 - 8
       Set on a hill the festival site at Sandpit Field enjoys a beautiful view over Swanage bay, and the festival itself has a very special atmosphere. Two rising young folk acts do the honours on Friday night - The Bill Jones Trio and Legacy. On Saturday eveningThe Fraser Sisters and Pauline Cato and Tom McConville are the featured artists. For dancers Lucy Lastic will also be playing on Saturday night in the festival marquee.
The New Scorpion Band play on Sunday afternoon, with The Roots Quartet closing the festival in the evening. Food, drink, a crafts fair and other stalls all add to a really relaxing festival. For more info have a look at www.swanagefestival.co.uk. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

STROUD FRINGE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 7-14
       Stroud, Gloucestershire, comes alive with the 8th Fringe Festival which includes dance, drama, and humour, street entertainment, and much more including a weekend street market and a new Sunday Craft Fair. There is also a very healthy helping of music which includes folk from Altan and Peeping Tom, ska from Ska Daddy and Maroon Town, rock from Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes and the sheer idiosyncrasy of John Otway and his band and Shooglenifty.  For more details see the website www.stroudfestival.co.uk or ring the Info line on 01452 741522; tickets via the Box Office on  01453 760900. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

BLUES AT THE FORT - FORT PURBROOK, PORTSDOWN HILL , NEAR PORTSMOUTH - SEPTEMBER 19 & 20
       Blues lovers have a late festival to look forward to when the 5th Blues at the Fort Festival takes place late in September . The line-up for the event has just been announced with some top acts including The Blues Band and The Hamsters belting it out as the sun goes down on Portsdown Hill. Formerly the Havant Real Ale Festival, Blues at the Fort 2003 will take place in a huge marquee within the ramparts of the historic fort. A range of real ales from all over the country, hot food and plenty of seating is available to music fans as they soak up some stirring blues. All the proceeds will go to support sporting activities and charities in the area. This year the nominated charities include Langstone Sailability and The Quivers who promote sailing and fencing for the disabled.
The Hamsters, a hard rocking band who specialise in playing the music of Jimi Hendrix headline on Friday night with the Blues Band topping the bill on Saturday. Portsmouth born Paul Jones and his band have been keeping the blues flame burning for over twenty years now with their authentic sound, fronted by Paul’s singing and harmonica playing. Old-style R&B band The Motel Kings, blues and boogie outfit Cryin’ Out Loud and local band Andy Broad’s Rhythm Kings will also play over the two nights.
Tickets can be purchased from Havant Tourist Information Centre via 023 9248 0024. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

SOLENT FOLK FESTIVAL, WOOLSTON COMMUNITY CENTRE, SOUTHAMPTON - SEPTEMBER 20 & 21
       Singarounds and folk guests including Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies from 11am until late both days. More details to be announced soon. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

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