THE line-up for BunkFest, Wallingford’s annual celebration of music, beer, dance and steam, is now being finalised and could give the town a £1m boost.

About 20,000 people turned up for the festival last year, which is based on the Kinecroft.

Now in its 12th year, it is estimated that visitors provide businesses including shops, restaurants and hotels with a £1m boost.

During previous festivals, the focus has been world music but folk rock is more dominant this year and top acts include Oysterband, Gordie McKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, The Albion Band, Gigspanner and Band of Hope.

The free festival, which runs from Friday, August 30, to Sunday, September 1, started out with a £6,000 turnover in 2002 and now has a turnover of £100,000.

Chairman Colin Dolton, one of the founders who is also a town councillor and former mayor, said: “If we get 20,000 people coming and they all spent £50 then the boost to local businesses won’t be far off £1m.

“But the festival costs an awful lot to put on — it’s about £20,000 alone for the artists — so the £100,000 is turnover, not profit.

“It’s a great weekend of traditional-style music and there will be about 300 Morris dancers in town — they will definitely sink a few pints.

“And the festival doesn’t just take place on the Kinecroft — there will be music in nearly all the pubs, some other venues and the Market Place.”

On Saturday, August 31, the Market Place will be closed to traffic so that festival goers can enjoy the Morris dancing, street fair and other entertainment.

Mum-of-four Claire Light, 37, from Cholsey, who is helping to organise the festival, said: “I’ve been to quite a few BunkFests over the years and there’s something quite magical about the festival — my kids love it.

“It’s a free festival, lots of people in the community get involved, and it brings people together.

“Traders come from all over the country and there is local beer and food on offer as well.”

Mayor Bernard Stone, said: “If the weather stays good it will make BunkFest extra special because the whole town comes to life.

“The festival has such a reputation that people travel from quite a distance to come here.

“BunkFest has to be the biggest draw of all our annual festivals — there’s something for everyone of every age so it brings everybody out.

“All credit to the volunteers who put this festival together, with most of the events free.

“The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway is a focal point as well, with music on the trains, hence the name BunkFest after the Bunkline, which runs from Cholsey to Wallingford.”

For information visit bunkfest.co.uk