It's girl power at folk festival

The August Bank Holiday weekend event is scheduled for August 23-26 and has featured in a series of national polls in recent years after dazzling fans and critics alike.

This year's event will feature some of the world's greatest female singers. Event spokeswoman Jo Cunningham said Eddi Reader, Heidi Talbot and Karen Matheson would be joined by The Be Good Tanyas, Fay Heild and the Hurricane Party, Lucy Ward and Lady Maisery.

She said: "Eddi famously harmonised with Annie Lennox while touring with the Eurythmics then went onto Fairground Attraction and enjoyed a huge hit with Perfect. She is one of the most traditional music's most thrilling performers.

"Shrewsbury is in for a very special treat with Heidi Talbot who will perform in a unique ensemble of virtuoso musicians. The band will include John McCusker, James Mackintosh, Ewan Vernal, Andy Cutting, Michael McGoldrick and Ian Carr. Singers will include Tim O'Brien, Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine and, of course, Heidi herself."

Mrs Cunningham added that Karen Matheson – a favourite of former James Bond star Sean Connery – would also thrill fans.

She said: "Sean Connery described Karen Matheson as having 'a throat surely touched by the hand of God', while Billboard magazine described her as 'the finest Gaelic singer alive today'."

Other girl power highlights will include a set from Canadian band The Be Good Tanyas, who have achieved cult status since their 2002 debut album Blue Horse, which was widely acclaimed by Q, Mojo and Rolling Stone.

Fay Heild and the Hurricane Party have won plaudits from the BBC while Lucy Ward is a BBC Folk Award Winner and has been one of the success stories of British music. Mrs Cunningham said: "Lady Maisery also break new ground as one of the first UK groups to explore the tradition of diddling, or tune singing, which has nearly died out in England. Fans can prepare to be enchanted by rich harmonies." Tickets are available at www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk or on 01743 892800.