THE New Forest Folk Festival will return to Romsey next month and there will be so much to celebrate.

In the big line-up several acts are reaching milestone anniversary’s - not least Julie Felix who celebrates her 80th birthday this month.

Others marking milestones are Feast of Fiddles, 25 years and Little Johnny England celebrating 20 years on the circuit. They played at the very first New Forest Festival in 2012.

Headlining this year’s festival, July 4-8 at Powell’s Farm, Plaitford, Romsey, are ‘Ward Thomas’, the singing sister duo from Hampshire, who have played the O2 Arena, Isle of Wight and Glastonbury festivals and later this year will be performing at Hyde Park, London.

Other great acts for 2018 include, Steeleye Span, TRADarrr, Dean Friedman, CoCo and the Butterfields, Reg Meuross, Matt Black, Polly Morris, and many more for full line-up details visit www.newforestfolkfestival.co.uk Tickets are going fast, there is a cap on the numbers, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Nick, Helen and Keith Curtis, and their families organise the event, now in its seventh year. They both pride themselves on the reputation it has, of being the small family run festival with the Big Line-up and this year is no exception.

Nick commented; “Year on year we have grown organically with people recommending us to other folk fans, encouraging more and more folk followers to come along and give us a try. It’s fantastic.”

Keith added; “We have listened to feedback from customers and made the improvements people have asked for, and this year we have a few additions that we hope our visitors will enjoy, including a quiet camping spot, a new fringe location for workshops and singarounds away from the arena. And more fun for children with organised activities and Wave105 Cash4Kids corner.

“We have expanded our food offering too, Leon’s vegetarian food, Pakora Pod, which offers Gluten free, Wheat free, Nut free food and Rural Pizza company homemade fresh ingredients Stone-Baked Pizza’s.

“Helen’s food tent will be there as usual with her home cooked food and her breakfast ‘Chicken Coop’, will be available every morning for breakfast before the arena opens.”

If you want to know more about the festival and latest news visit www.newforestfolkfestival.co.uk or follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/NewForestFolkFestival/