STARS of the future will play alongside established musicians when the Allen Valleys Folk Festival gets under way this weekend.

Stages are being set up at venues to accommodate a bumper line up, set to include Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra, The Will Pound Band, The Coal Porters, R.M. Hubbert, and Polly and the Billets Doux.

Festival committee chairman Peter Aldcroft said: “Youth bands are the future of this festival and they’re playing three venues. They inject energy and enthusiasm and attract lots of followers.”

Theo Hornsey (20) will curate the festival’s youth stage for the second year running, as well as performing alongside music partner Sam East.

Volunteers are being sought to help run the popular event. For more information about the festival, visit www.avff.co.uk