Sidmouth’s annual folk festival has been regarded as one of the best in the UK by The Guardian.

Sidmouth Herald: FolkWeek director John BraithwaiteFolkWeek director John Braithwaite (Image: Archant)

The national paper labelled FolkWeek as the place where ‘everyone who’s anyone in British folk’ would go, in its pick of the best places for roots, folk and world music.

The week-long event has been synonymous with the town for more than six decades, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

The Guardian wrote at the weekend: “Pretty much everyone who’s anyone in British folk today puts in an appearance at this week-long annual festival on the Devon coast.”

FolkWeek returns on Friday, July 29, and will be holding 750 events in venues across the town.

Organiser John Braithwaite said Sidmouth, as a location, was a big draw for visitors.

“We are really very pleased to have that sort of accolade.” said Mr Braithwaite. “Sidmouth FolkWeek has been ever-present for over 60 years and we have seen a lot of festivals coming in the early 2000s and lots of festivals disappearing.”

He continued by saying he was proud to be among the list, which includes Cambridge Folk Festival and London’s Alchemy festival.

“People are very committed to Sidmouth.

“So many people have been to Sidmouth through the generations. It’s a permanent part of their diary,” said the organiser.

As part of this year’s schedule, visitors will be able to try one of 150 workshops in dance, singing, musical instruments and song writing.

Mr Braithwaite added: “It’s so many festivals in one that it appeals to a dimension of ages, to children, youth and older people.”