SIDMOUTH FolkWeek has received a last minute cash boost for �5,000. The Sid Vale Association has pledged the grant from its Keith Owen Fund towards the Celebrating Sidmouth project. The first part of the scheme takes place during the festival, with thre

SIDMOUTH FolkWeek has received a last minute cash boost for �5,000.

The Sid Vale Association has pledged the grant from its Keith Owen Fund towards the 'Celebrating Sidmouth' project.

The first part of the scheme takes place during the festival, with three series of workshops for families and young people, which will provide a dramatic addition to the Torchlight Procession.

'Professional Band' workshops are for players of portable acoustic instruments and local musicians are welcome to join visitors to make as big a band as possible.

The 'Professional Dance' workshops will create dances which will be performed during the procession and the third workshop, 'More than a Lantern', will make and assemble spectacular creations.

The second part of the project will focus on local infant, junior and primary schools, where a dance tutor will work with children to create songs and dances which reflect their feelings about the place where they live. This will culminate in a large sharing event which will be held for the children to perform their work.

Reverend Handel Bennett, chairman of the SVA, said: "The award is two fold.

First to assist with creative learning family workshops in music, dance, and

design, leading to the demonstration of acquired skills within the concluding procession on Friday, August 7.

"And second we want to encourage Sidmouth young people in both folk music and folk dance.

"This award will help recruit specialist tutors for schools, where no other educational budget is available."

The project is being organised by Philippa Toulson of Folk South West, the regional Folk Arts development organisation.

Philippa has been the brainchild behind 'Young Sidmouth' FolkWeek's line-up for the past five years, and this year there will be more than 150 events in this programme.

All three 'Celebrating Sidmouth' workshops in FolkWeek are open to anyone over 12, but under 15s must be accompanied by an adult.

The Young Sidmouth and full FolkWeek programme is available to download at www.sidmouthherald.co.uk.

See next week's Herald for full details of the festival in our FolkWeek supplement.