Rappers at a folk festival?! (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Rappers at a folk festival?!

A SELECTION of young rappers will be appearing at the 8th Cheltenham Folk Festival which runs from February 6 to 8.

But it won't be P-Diddy or Eminem taking to the stage!

The performers in question are a group of traditional sword dancers called The Black Swan Rappers who will be performing with Damian Barber as part of the Demon Barber Roadshow.

The evening promises traditional music and dance at its finest. Rapper sword dancing originates from pre-Christian fertility rites and has been performed in parts of England for centuries.

The town's 8th Folk Festival also welcomes a host of folk favourites including Kate Rusby, the sweetheart of English folk song, Australian award-winning duo Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, and the new folk super group, Dr Faustus, in an exciting winter line-up.

At the forefront of a new generation of influential young British singers, Kate Rusby has been taking acoustic music to new realms of popularity and with this in mind the 2004 Folk Festival has secured a host of young and talented rising stars.

Aiming to reach out and touch a new section of the audience, artists include BBC Folk Award winners John Spiers and Jon Boden and former local trio Firebrand who return to Cheltenham as one of the fastest growing acts around, promising a night of contemporary acoustic folk.

Other great names to play at February's festival include the delightfully diverse Phil Beer Band, festival favourites Old Swan Band and, making their Cheltenham debut, Mick Ryan and Pete Harris who will entertain with a combination of traditional, comic and blues material.

As well as providing a platform for some of the best national and local artistes, the Festival will also offer workshops, song and music sessions, children's events, dance displays and the chance to enjoy good food and excellent local ales.

And the Noon Interview sees Martin Graebe chatting to celebrities on the final day of the festival.

Tickets by telephone on 01242 227979, by email: boxoffice@cheltenham.gov.uk, fax: 01242 573902 or from the Folk Festival Box Office at the Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham.

More information from the web site on www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk