RICHARD BATSON A major folk festival is bouncing back to its pier-end home this spring with a band of top names. The Cromer Folk on the Pier event had to move to a clifftop marquee last year because of ongoing improvement works at its regular Pavilion Theatre venue.

RICHARD BATSON

A major folk festival is bouncing back to its pier-end home this spring with a band of top names.

The Cromer Folk on the Pier event had to move to a clifftop marquee last year because of ongoing improvement works at its regular Pavilion Theatre venue.

Organiser Scott Butler also threw a question mark over the future of the event in November when he said it was "on hold" while he sought more help from the council and pier managers.

Mr Butler said yesterday positive talks had resolved the issues, and he was delighted to announce the five-day festival – which had become "an important part of the Cromer calendar" – was back.

Legendary singer-songwriter Ralph McTell headlines a host of traditional folk acts, while the rock and blues end of the spectrum is served by Sarah Jory and Dr Feelgood.

The line-up for the May 4-8 festival looked set to reinforce the event's reputation as the premier event of its type in the Norfolk region, he added.

There would be some innovations regarding the fringe events and workshops in and around the town, said Mr Butler.

Fans would enjoy a wide programme of music including acoustic performances by: Oysterband frontman John Jones; Coope, Boyes and Simpson, one of the UK's foremost vocal groups; and an evening featuring nautical funny man Shep Woolley, as well as the New Scorpion Band.

There is a return by instrumentalists Shooglenifty from Scotland, up-and-coming Welsh folk-rockers Mabon, festival favourites Little Johnny England in a new line-up, and a mix of Celtic, jazz and world music from Leon Hunt and Daily Planet.

Other favourites back by pop-ular demand include American banjo player Mike West, and dance band Whapweasel.

New to the pavilion stage, however, will be R & B maestros Dr Feelgood, the country rock slide guitar of Sarah Jory and a first ever appearance in the UK by Loar Gann, a band of top players from Brittany.

Local supporting acts include Moon-coin, Lisa Redford, Red Oktober, the Skylarks, Razor Sharp and the Cromer Smugglers.

Full 'saver' concert season tickets go on sale from February 21 – prices are £55 before March 21, £60 before April 21, £65 thereafter. Daily tickets go on sale from March 21, ranging from £8.50 to £17.50.

Box office – 01263 512495.