WITH a week to go before Sidmouth hosts FolkWeek 2009, there are just a few days left to buy discount tickets for main events on offer.

WITH a week to go before Sidmouth hosts FolkWeek 2009, there are just a few days left to buy discount tickets for main events on offer.

Savings of up to �8 can be made before Sunday, July 26, with �2 a ticket on afternoon and evening concerts at the Ham Marquee, evening concerts at Manor Pavilion Theatre and evening events and Late Night extras at the Festival Clubhouse, Bulverton Marquee and �8 on special Big Gig tickets at Bulverton.

Look out for the new HUB development, bringing together the Ham and Port Royal into a new festival centre.

There will be a new Ham concert arena with artists' CDs, festival shop and new bar in a foyer area.

Outside are more food and drink choices, an open mic stage, exciting street theatre around the whole HUB, and dance displays every day at Port Royal.

Blackmore Gardens will be home to Sidmouth Music Fair, a busy Young Sidmouth, new caf� and be a vibrant Blackmore dance venue.

The craft market has been moved to Kennaway Lawn next to the Triangle.

The full working programme is now available to download at www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk .

The full colour working programme will be on sale, priced �5, during the week, which begins on Thursday evening, July 30 with an evening with Pam Ayres; which is not included in the festival ticket.

It follows a welcome to Sidmouth from the Festival Players, Sidmouth Steppers, Great Western Morris and Sidmouth Mummers.

It promises to be a great week for Ottery St Mary band Ochre Lane, which launches its new album Scribbled Pavements at Dukes on Thursday, August 6, from 9pm.

Jai Darke, lead singer, along with singer boyfriend Dan Prettejohn; also guitar, brother Pete Darke drums, Ian Pring bass, make up the band, which formed four years ago.

Dad Chris Darke, (keyboards/guitar), is the fifth 'member' and joins them on gigs.

Jai, 28, said: "We are going for a retro feel with this album. Dukes has been fantastic and really supportive letting us launch a CD there.

"Copies will be available on the night for �10 and we will sign those sold."

There are almost 500 events during the week and you can book concerts online or at the box office (01395) 578627.

The website also gives details of stewarding vacancies and accommodation available. * See our special FolkWeek supplement next Friday.