Elkie Brooks to headline folk festival

Elkie Brooks has been performing since 1960, but is best known for her hits in the 70s and 80s

Elkie Brooks has been named among the headliners for this year's Shrewsbury Folk Festival.

She will close the event, which runs from 23 August to 26 August at the West Mid Showground

Best known for tracks like Pearl's A Singer, Lilac Wine, Fool (If You think It's Over) and Don't Cry Out Loud, Brooks rose to prominence in the late 1970s and 80s, but her repertoire also spans jazz and blues numbers.

The annual festival features four main stages featuring folk music, blues, Americana and world music.

American bluegrass hip hop band Gangstagrass will close out the festival’s Severn stage on Friday 23 August, with Scotland’s Peatbog Faeries doing the honours on the Saturday.

Danish band The Sentimentals will be taking part in two special gigs on and 25 and 26 August.

The band have also announced special guests Stephen Fearing (Blackie and The Rodeo Kings) from Canada, American singer-songwriter Jonathan Byrd and Mary Gauthier.

Shrewsbury Folk Festival returns in August

Festival Director Sandra Surtees said: “We’re delighted with this year’s line-up and the sheer range and breadth of music that will be on offer.

“Over the years, our line-up has diversified from folk to include Americana, blues and world music which is all traditional music at source.

"It’s just a great way to spend four days or a day, listening to great music, relaxing with friends and family and soaking up the festival vibes."

The line-up also includes Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mary Black, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Ward Thomas.

Tickets are on sale online, with day, weekend and camping tickets available.