Monday marks the start of St Albans Folk Festival – two weeks of traditional music and dance events in the city and beyond.

The festival will involve leading local performers, joined by professional guests and finalists from the New Roots event for musicians and singers under the age of 25.

It opens on Monday, June 25, with an evening of Cotswold morris dancing by St Albans Morris Men and lively Appalachian style step dancing by Tappalachian in the garden of the White Lion in Sopwell Lane.

On Thursday June 28, four of the young acts of in New Roots 2012 – Danny Pedler and Rosie Butler-Hall, Jess and Tom, Katherine Hurdley and Kelly Wade – will appear at a special showcase event at Hollybush Folk Club, Redbourn.

Then comes next Saturday’s day of dance in the city centre, featuring music and a grand festival concert in the Old Town Hall.

It starts with more morris dancing outside the Alban Arena at 10.30am. After this, from 11.45am, the dancers will perform at various locations around the city.

Musically, Saturday promises a variety of songs and music in the Old Town Hall including a slide guitar workshop led by Phillip Henry in the Assembly Room. There will also be stalls with art and crafts by members of Herts Visual Arts. Admission is free.

The evening’s concert features duo Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin who combine influences as diverse as English folk music, Indian classical music and American blues. Support comes from New Roots 2012 finalists The Beldons. Tickets for the Festival concert cost £12, £10 concessions, from St Albans Tourist Information Centre (01727 864511) or online at www.allaboutstalbans.com.

Informal sessions and singarounds will feature next Sunday, July 1, at the Boot, the Lower Red Lion and the Portland Arms.

Then, on Wednesday July 4, it’s time for the 25th annual St Michael’s Street folk evening in which music and dancing come to the fore as the street closes to traffic from 8pm to 10pm. Even then, when the street re-opens, music and singing will continue until closing time in its four pubs.

The festival closes on Friday, July 6, when the Devine family takes the stage at the Maltings Arts Theatre, supported by New Roots 2011 finalist, Ollie King.

For more information, go to www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk or email info@stalbansfolkmusic. org.uk.