A POPULAR folk festival which was in jeopardy last year is all set to go ahead this weekend.

The Alcester and Arden Folk Festival was brought back from the brink by a mystery donation of £4,000 after it struggled to find enough funds to keep it going.

And the outlook still looks positive for 2006 with ticket sales already up on previous years.

Organiser Marje Stanley said she was a lot more positive about this year's event and praised the amount of support received from townsfolk.

Mrs Stanley said: "The locals have given us help in a number of ways and are supporting us a lot.

"We have managed to get funding this year from Stratford District Council for specific items and a lot of physical help from the people of Alcester.

"Last year, we didn't feel the council cared if it happened or not."

This year she also hopes there will be a number of international visitors and has already heard people from as far afield as Canada and Australia have bought tickets for the event.

Traders in the town are also expected to benefit from the festival.

Chairman of Alcester Chamber of Trade Andy Mills said: "It's certainly good for a number of businesses due to the amount of people coming.

"Even if people don't spend on the day they will get a feel for the town and come back another time. It's a good event."

Mrs Stanley hopes the festival will one day be able to pay back the money given by the benefactor, who has lived in Alcester for many years, for being able to help at such a crucial time.

She added publicity had been a lot better this year because of this money and secured funding, so she hoped more people would be aware of it.

The Alcester and Arden Folk Festival takes place at the Greig on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are available from Guys Menswear in Alcester High Street.

For more details, visit the website www.alcesterandardenfolkfestival.co.uk