THE hills of the North Tyne will be alive with the sound of music as a much-loved festival makes its return.

The Bellingham All Acoustic Music Festival, better known as BAAFest, will take place between Thursday, September 8, and Sunday, September 11.

Now in its seventh year, the well-established festival continues to attract music lovers from across the UK whilst gaining a reputation among musicians as one of their favourite places to perform.

Held at Brownrigg Lodges, in Bellingham, there will be three covered stages with seating and two real ale bars.

There are tickets for just 300 people and it is this intimate feel that makes the festival so special.

The event will see 30 acts take to the stage including Rob Heron and the Teapad Orchestra, Yvonne Lyon, The Spike Drivers and many more.

As well as workshops for singers and instrumentalists, there will be a Folk Session on the Saturday and a Festival Ceilidh hosted by Tarset Ceilidh Band on the Sunday.

On Thursday, September 8, festival organisers Fiona Lander and Paul Mason (Landermason) will be joined by a host of other local musicians to celebrate 60 years of Northumberland National Park.

They will be singing a collection of pieces inspired by the Park, border ballads and other Northumbrian songs.

A mass performance of visiting composer Mike Bennett’s ‘Northumberland’ will close the night.

Friday, September 9, is the ever-popular student concert which gives a platform for young musicians aged eight to 18.

Fourth Generation, QEHS Jazz Band, Last Night’s Rain, Bronwen Davies-Jones and Andrew Langford are just some of the acts lined up to perform this year.

Paul will be demonstrating his hand-built trebuchet at this year’s festival.

Northumberland’s newest brewery, First & Last Brewery, will be launching its inaugural beer at BAAFest.

It will be offering ‘BAA Fly’ a four per cent session aromatic pale ale to beer lovers and music lovers alike.

For further information and tickets go to www.baafest.co.uk or contact the festival office on 01434 220646.