Town to host first blues and folk festival

Singer-songwriter Karl Ficarotta is amongst the acts booked for the festival

A Somerset town is hosting its first blues and folk festival, which will be held across eight venues.

The two-day Bridgwater Blues and Folk Festival will feature more than 50 bands, musicians and special performances from 12 - 13 April.

The free event is being hosted by The Cobblestones pub and music venue, with funding from Bridgwater Town Deal and Bridgwater Town Council.

Graham Hodgson, events coordinator for the festival and owner of The Cobblestones, said he hoped the festival would bring people together.

"There's so much local talent in the area," continued Mr Hodgson.

"I'm hoping that this will create some new fans to the bands and bring new people to the town of Bridgwater."

A variety of acts have been booked for the festival, including alternative-rock singer Dave McPherson, alongside some local underground artists.

The weekend's entertainment will include genres such as jazz, blues and rock as well as a sea shanty crew and morris dancers.

The Palace Nightclub is one of the venues taking part in the festival

Live music and entertainment will be hosted at The Cobblestones, The Bridgy Gallery, Palace Nightclub, The Old Vicarage Hotel, Angel Place Shopping Centre and Bar 27. There will also be a "secret stage".

The event will run from 12:00 BST - 23:00 on Saturday, and from 12:00 - 22:00 on Sunday.