WITH Sidmouth FolkWeek fast approaching, the organisers have firmed up this year’s highlights. They say that the 2013 festival (August 2-8) offers a ‘unique spread’ of ‘varied events’ with ‘global appeal’, giving ‘something for everyone’.

The width of acts ranges from Rajasthani gypsy group Jaipur Kawa Brass Band to established performers such as Maddy Prior, Capercaillie, Blowzabella and Show of Hands.

There’s also a children’s festival, aimed at the local community as well as incoming festival goers.

“One of the things that we always feel proud of with the festival is its diversity and its inclusion,” said FolkWeek spokesperson Sarah Coxson. “This year’s bill is reflective of that. From Barry Cryer to very traditional events and big bands like Capercaillie, the range and diversity is something that we hold dear.”

As in previous years, comedy kicks off the proceedings. This year it’s the turn of “national treasure” Barry Cryer, with a pre-festival special called Twitter Titters (Ham Marquee, 8pm, Thursday August 1).

A mainstay of BBC Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, Barry’s new show – featuring Colin Sell on piano – is described as a ‘surefire hit of sunshine to start the festive week’.

The festival officially gets underway on Friday, August 2 with a set of high-energy tunes from Cape Breton legends Le Vent du Nord.

Other acts to catch include The Albion Band (the “re-born” line-up, fronted by Ashley Hutchings’s son Blair Dunlop) and the virtuoso fiddle and cello playing of Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas.

Nic Jones (current holder of the BBC Radio Two Folk Award for Folk Singer Of the Year) performs with his trio on Saturday August 3. On the same night there’s a set from folk legend Maddy Prior.

Local heroes Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes play on Sunday August 4. On the same evening, folk’s “wall of sound” Blowzabella are back in action.

There’s a strong day for Irish music on Monday, August 5, with The Unwanted and Flook, along with “party starters” Peatbog Faeries.

Highlights later in the week include Martin Carthy and Peter Robinson (Tuesday August 6), Eliza Carthy and Tim Eriksen (Wednesday, August 7), Jaipur Kawa Brass Band and Capercaillie (Thursday, August 8), and Tim Edey and Brendan Power, and The Lyons Family (Friday August 9).

The week concludes with the finale torchlight procession.

For details of the line-up and the range of events on offer, visit: www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk