This year's event goes back to its roots, celebrating the early days of the festival when free live street entertainment was at the core of the weekend. There will be a selection of live acts every day on the streets, culminating in a free open air gig by Kíla at 4pm on Sunday August 1.

Eleanor McEvoy will be giving a singer-songwriter workshop on Sunday too, and other workshops over the weekend will include Sean Nós and clog dancing! Live impromptu pub sessions and story-telling will take place in over twelve venues in the town over the weekend, while there will also be a new talent showcase in this year's programme, with the winner winning a spot alongside Andy Irvine in the final concert of the weekend at The Abbey Centre.

Full details of all events are available online at [link]www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com[/link]. Tickets available at [link]www.eventelephant.com[/link].