ONCE AGAIN, the hills were alive with the sound of music for this year's Bellingham All Acoustic Festival, also known as BAAfest.

Founded by Paul Mason and Fiona Lander, who make up the folk duo Landermason, the festival marked its tenth birthday at Brownrigg Lodges from Thursday 12 until Sunday, September 15. Over 100 local, national and international performers took to the stage across the four days to entertain large crowds.

Just a few of the acoustic acts included French-based group The Churchfitters, The Small Hall Band, duo Dave Ellis and Boo Howard, Newcastle-based Andy May Trio, and Landermason themselves.

The annual Student Concert, which aims to give local talent (between eight and 18) a performance platform, also went ahead on the Friday night and featured QEHS Jazz Band and folk duo Janice Burns and Jon Doran.

In the wake of tradition, Paul also revealed his latest invention at this year's show: a pedal powered noise making machine which he built entirely from reclaimed material.

Full report and pictures to follow.