The Yetties return with old favourites (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

The Yetties return with old favourites

THE Yetties, one of England's most popular folk groups, comes to the Arts Centre in Swindon on Thursday, June 12.

Taking their name from the Dorset village of Yetminster, their childhood home, their obvious love of the West Country, its songs, stories and humour, makes them particularly popular in this part of the world.

Since turning professional in 1967, their music has taken them far beyond their native Dorset and they have travelled widely in Europe and performed in such countries as Thailand, Pakistan, India and Canada.

Over the years they have recorded 36 albums, mostly a mixture of songs and music, and they have also been involved in some unusual projects, including recording Thomas Hardy's favourite jigs, reels and waltzes using Hardy's own fiddle.

They have also collaborated on a collection of songs and stories about cricketers of the past with John Arlott.

In recent years they have had a regular series on Radio 2, entitled Cider and Song, and probably belong to only a handful of performers who have appeared on Radios 1,2,3 and 4, as well as on television.

But the Yetties have never lost their genuine feeling for the countryside. Some of their songs recall what life was like when they were boys and they talk of village characters, village occasions and create the atmosphere of the village social.

It's all good rustic stuff and shows that however much modern technology has changed all our lives, most of us still enjoy a good sing-song.

The show begins at 8pm. Tickets from the box office on 01793 614837.