Tim Hughes looks at the wealth of talent converging on Oxford for Folk Weekend

Buff up your tankard, pull on your best woolly jumper and warm up your vocal chords...

Yes, it’s time for probably the country’s most fun, colourful and easy-going, festival of folk, roots and acoustic music – the Oxford Folk Weekend.

And with a packed programme of both new and familiar artists, this year’s event, which starts tomorrow, is set to be a cracker.

Musicians include award-winning singer-songwriter Chris Wood, gorgeously melodic girl trio Lady Maisery, Breabach’s Patsy Reid, The Hut People, Moore Moss Rutter, Boldwood, Benjamin Folke Thomas, Kelly Oliver, Ben Moss & Laurel Swift, the Askew Sisters, Ninebarrow, Wednesday's Wolves, Fabian Holland and Jenkinson’s Folly.

The biggest draw, however, is festival patron John Spiers – one half of duo Spiers and Boden, and a founding member of Bellowhead (see main feature).

Organiser Cat Kelly has let slip the tantalising prospect of John appearing with a special guest for his Saturday set – though wisely refuses to say who. However, with Bellowhead performing at the New Theatre later the same day, there are some thrilling possibilities.

“I was very pleased to be asked to become a patron of Folk Weekend,” says ‘Squeezy’ John, who lives in Wootton, near Abingdon.

“Although it’s relatively young for a festival, it has quickly become an integral part of Oxford’s folk scene, supporting local artists and community music making.

“As someone who grew up in the area, I’m glad to be able to give something back by supporting my local festival.”

Aside from the gigs, there’s a Family Festival, a Village Fete in Gloucester Green, and a brace of ceilidhs in St Barnabas Church, Jericho, to keep us stomping the weekend away.

Main evening concerts take place in the Wesley Memorial Church on New Inn Hall Street, with other gigs at the Old Fire Station in George Street, and some free concerts in the Story Museum and at Blackwell’s bookshop.

There are afternoon sessions in the basement of Modern Art Oxford, music at the Old Museum at Oxford Town Hall and more Morris dancing than you can shake a stick at. Get your dancing shoes on too, and enjoy.

For details go to folkweekendoxford.co.uk