SIDMOUTH FolkWeek bosses have issued a plea for accommodation for artists in August.

SIDMOUTH FolkWeek bosses have issued a plea for accommodation for artists in August.

Festival chiefs revealed this week there is a shortage of places for performers to stay after the loss of several “significant properties.”

They say artists are accommodated in some local hotels, and on the festival campsite, but the event also utilises a range of private accommodation.

These include properties hired out by families away during the summer spectacular, or those with spare rooms who provide a bed and breakfast service.

“We have a wonderful relationship with a number of people in town who provide bed and breakfast and self-catering homes, but we have lost a few really significant properties recently,” FolkWeek artistic director Joan Crump told the Herald.

“This is either due to them being sold, or because of a change of use – some properties were available as holiday lets, but have now gone for long-term rental.”

She added festival organisers would love to hear from anyone in town with a room – or even a house or flat – that would be available from Friday, July 29, to Friday, August 5. They offer competitive fees for accommodation.

“Some of our regular bed and breakfast hosts have actually developed real friendships with their guests,” added Joan.

“We have folk celebrities who make sure that staying with their favourite host family is part of their Sidmouth experience every year- and residents who are equally delighted to receive them.”

For more information contact Sidmouth Folkweek organisers on 07766 712340 or e-mail artists@sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk.

l ‘Early bird’ prices for week-long FolkWeek tickets, offering substantial discounts, end on Thursday, 31 March. They are available at Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre in Ham Lane.