THE 8th Cheltenham Folk Festival promises to be a meeting of the old and the new, with traditional bands playing alongside a new generation of young talent.

The event, which will held in and around the Town Hall between February 6 and 8, also offers plenty of opportunity for people to get involved themselves.

One of the highlights of the event will be a performance by the sweetheart of the English folk scene Kate Rusby.

Since appearing at the first Cheltenham Folk Festival she has experienced a meteoric rise, converting new listeners to her music and picking up a Mercury Award along the way.

Other big names include Australian award-winning duo Nancy Kerr and James Fagan and the new folk supergroup Dr Faustus.

As well as providing a platform for some of the best national and local performers, the festival will also offer workshops, song and music sessions, children's events and dance displays.

Town Hall spokesman Tim Hulse said: "We are particularly excited about the 2004 Folk Festival as it aims to combine some of the best bands on the scene with a new up-and-coming breed of young folk talent. With a great atmosphere and an emphasis on participation and enjoyment, our audiences are in for a real treat."

Other highlights of the festival include a performance by the BBC Folk Award winners John Spiers and Jon Boden and the melodious sounds of The Witches of Elswick. Another treat will be the Demon Barber Roadshow, which features The Black Swan Rappers - a group of young sword and clog dancers.

The long list of performers also includes The Phil Beer Band - whose repertoire ranges from sea shanties to blues - local favourites the Old Swan Band and one of Britain's best fiddlers Gina Le Faux.

More information about the festival can be found by logging on to www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk.

To book tickets call the Town Hall on 01242 227979.