THE 10th Cheltenham Folk Festival bursts onto the scene during February 2006.

And organisers say it will be an exciting new chapter in the festival's history as Eliza Carthy becomes the festival patron.

The mid-winter Folk Festival takes place from February 9 to 12.

After performing at the 2005 festival, Eliza makes a welcome return as one quarter of the phenomenal Waterson:Carthy.

Having performed for more than 30 years Waterson:Carthy are one of Britain's most successful and influential folk groups - making this year's Cheltenham Folk Festival, an extra special occasion.

Winners of the 2004 BBC3 World Music Award, the Warsaw Village Band joins us to kick-start theexciting programme. With their new-age-hard-core folk sou-nds this group of Polish players looks set to deluge Cheltenham in an 'avalanche of rhythm', on Thursday, February 9.

The weekend offers opportunities to enjoy special rare appearances by Roy Bailey, John Kirkpatrick and Martin Simpson in Sit Down & Sing at the Everyman Theatre plus Martin Carthy and Martin Simpson in Martins in a showcase concert on Saturday afternoon.

Newcomers, The Devil's Interval, perform a group repertoire which is a varied mix ranging from English tradition to influences from Tom Waits to Phoebe Smith and Dolly Parton.

The Festival Finale on Sunday night opens with the one and only 'one man folk industry' Pete Coe. Next up, and making their Cheltenham debut all the way from Winnipeg in Canada are The Wailin' Jennys, who create masterful three-part vocal harmonies.

With the stage well and truly warmed-up, the winners of the 2005 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Live Act, BELLOWhead close the festival with strings, pipes, eclectic percussion and a funky brass section, making the dynamic 11-piece megaband that you just can't sit down to.

To mark our special occasion of 10 years, Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson and Eliza Carthy join Martin Graebe's celebrity slot, on the Festival Sunday for this year's Noon Interview.

Weekend ticket holders get the chance to enjoy more intimate concerts during An Hour or So With.... where you can hear artists perform in an informal unplugged session.

Novice folk fans are also included - for the young in years (and young at heart) The Kids' Place offers a warm invitation to enjoy some crazy and creative fun throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Treat yourself to something special and have a wander down our Market Alley where there's a variety of stalls selling an abundance of wares from clothes, books, arts and crafts to musical instruments.

For some good wholesome food you can visit the real ale bars where you can also enjoy a bevy of local brews.

For those who might wish to dance the weekend away, there will be the opportunity join in the Friday and Saturday night dances on our newly refurbished floor.

The Aardvark Ceilidh Band and The Committee Band will provide the music, so bring along your dancing shoes for some wonderful Festival fun. Join us in February for a feast of Folk in what will be a really enjoyable winter weekend.

To book tickets call the hotline on 01242 227979, for the brochure call 01242 237377 or visit the website at www.cheltenhamfestivals.org.uk.