Shrewsbury Folk Festival on track to see fastest sell-out

Organisers of Shrewsbury Folk Festival today said their four-day August event is on course for its fastest-ever sell-out, after announcing chart star KT Tunstall as a headline act.

Organisers are encouraging people to buy tickets now – or face disappointment when the festival sells out. The event is planned for August 24 to 27 and has become one of the most popular on the British folk music calendar.

Today festival spokeswoman Sandra Surtees, who organises the event with her husband Alan, said: "Tickets are on sale now and are selling faster than ever.

"Last year we sold out in April and there were many disappointed people, so please order your tickets early if you would like to come to the festival."

Tickets are presently on sale at a reduced early bird rate, though that offer will end on February 29, a month earlier than usual.

The event has attracted some of the biggest names in folk including headliners Richard Thompson, Show of Hands, Plainsong and KT Tunstall.

There will also be sets from Kate Rusby, Jim Moray, Jackie Oates, Jon Boden, Lau, Karine Polwart, The Sweetback Sisters and Faustus.

Festival director Mr Surtees added: "Having KT perform as the final act on the last day is really going to be the icing on the cake.

"She is one of the most successful crossover artists around today and we are delighted that she's going to be at Shrewsbury. She'll be closing the concert and there is no need for anyone to buy a separate ticket or pay extra just to see KT perform – it's just all part and parcel of the ticket price."

Mr Surtees added that tickets were selling quickly.

He said: "I can't advise strongly enough that you get your tickets before they all go."

Buy tickets at www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk or www.gigantic.com/shrewsburyfolkfestival

See also:

• KT Tunstall to headline Shrewsbury Folk Festival

• Kate Rusby and Richard Thompson to headline 2012 Shrewsbury Folk Festival