Seth Lakeman plays out folk festival

Seth, who won best singer and best album at the BBC Folk Awards in 2007, is renowned for his high energy performances and best-selling albums.

His current album Word Of Mouth reached the top 20 in the UK album charts and features the stories of the West Country people who inspired the release.

Joining Lakeman on Sunday, May 1, is Lucy Ward, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Derby. She plays guitar, ukulele and concertina and her appearance at Big Session comes hot on the heels of the release of her third album I Dreamt I Was A Bird.

Following last year’s sold-out success the Big Session is bigger than ever, now over three nights and two days starting on Friday, April 29.

Hosted by Oysterband, the festival pre-sales have attracted audiences from 218 different UK postcodes together with international sales in Dubai, Denmark and Germany.

Concerts will include the Oysterband with June Tabor and Sam Carter, Edward II, Will Pound and Eddy Jay, and the Emily Portman Trio.

The Big Session Ceilidh on the Sunday has sold out but tickets may be available on the door.

There will also be a beer hall hosting a festival of more than 100 real ales, with afternoon and evening sessions throughout the weekend. Monday, May 2, will offer a drink-up session with free entry for those wanting to taste beers from barrels that haven’t run dry.

To buy tickets for the festival call 01298 72190 or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

You can follow the festival on Twitter

@BigSessionFest or like the Big Session Festival page on facebook.

Lakeman won Singer of the Year and Best Album awards at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.[