MIDDLEWICH will be alive with the sound of music this weekend.

More than 20,000 people are expected to descend on the town for the Folk and Boat Festival to see acts like Ade Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds and Mark Radcliffe and the Family Mahone.

Mark, patron of the festival, said: “It would be hard for other festivals to truly live up to the full-on Middlewich experience.

“It’s one of the pint-sized, pint-swilling gems of the British summer calendar and is a vital component of the music scene in this part of the world.”

A new feature at this year’s festival is the extended Beer Garden complete with acoustic session tent which will be providing music of various kinds all day.

While the entertainment is free, the festival committee is hoping visitors can be persuaded to buy a badge supporting the event.

For full line-up details and tickets, visit midfest.org or call 07092 390501.