THIS weekend will see the final act of the Tyne Valley’s festival season.

The Allen Valleys Folk Festival is one of the last music festivals of the year, but it remains a highlight of the North-East music calendar for folk fans.

Running from Friday until Sunday, acts will perform at various venues in Allendale, including the village hall and St Cuthbert’s Church.

The weekend will see live music from both prominent and up-and-coming acts from the folk scene, a genre that is gathering more and more followers.

Now in its fifth year, local favourites The Brothers Gillespie will open proceedings tomorrow, followed by bluegrass band Hot Rock Pilgrims.

Headline acts on Saturday include the award-winning ‘bloke folk’ trio Faustus and Bristol 12- piece Matuki, who bring a blend of West African music fused with urban funk that’s sure to get revellers moving their feet.

Under the guidance of Rob Kitchen, programme leader at the Sage Gateshead, a strong female line-up has been put together this year.

Acts include the She Shanties, Durham based singer-songwriter Harri Endersby and award- winning multi-instrumentalist Rachel Newton, as well as last year’s Youth Folk award winners The McGoldrick Sisters.

An afternoon of stories, songs and music labelled Tales and Tunes will close the festival on Sunday, with performances and readings by Northumbrian piper Kathryn Tickell, author David Almond and accordionist and clog dancer Amy Thatcher.

As well as the live music ongoing throughout the weekend, there will be various impromptu events throughout Allendale, from workshops and a dance programme to an iconic local ceremony, which sees the burning of a giant wooden sculpture of the Allendale wolf.

Tickets can be purchased from www.avff.co.uk or by calling (01434) 652477.