Alan’s grand finale at 42nd Fylde Folk Festival

Folk stars Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman are coming to Fleetwood.

For 42 years Alan has been the director of this huge event which he founded, but this year will be his last.

The event – which takes place in Fleetwood venues next weekend (August 29-31) will continue next year with a new company at the helm.

Alan, a folk performer for 60 years, said: “At the end of this year’s event there will definitely be mixed emotions.

“I will probably shed a tear and reach for a glass of scotch.

“But I will be relieved, too. I’m 80 years old and while in the past I was able to deal with the stress, these days it takes a lot longer to get over it.

“I’m delighted a group of folk fans are keeping it going, under a new company. I will be there to help and advise but from next year I can relax and just enjoy the music.”

The 2014 festival will feature around 200 musicians, performers and dancers in 130 events in 10 venues over three days.

Among highlights will be the Friday night concert at the Marine Hall at 7.30pm, when acclaimed duo Sean Lakeman and Kathryn Roberts, appear, as will another young star Edwina Hayes.

Saturday’s concert at the Marine Hall will feature the Ramblin’ Riversiders, Tom Lewis and Polish group Poles Apart, Isla St Clair from Scotland and Dallahan of the Irish Republic.

Alan and his band will be perform on the Sunday, while Fleetwood’s pubs will also be busy with live music, including free sessions.

Also check out the annual concert on board Fleetwood heritage trawler Jacinta, on Bank Holiday Monday (August 25) at 8pm. As usual, the £6 tickets are available on board.

To book and for information on the various festival tickets and events, call the Marine Hall box office on (01253) 887693.

For a full programme go to www.fylde-folk-festival.com/