Live music returns to the Allen Valleys in September with one of the last festivals of the year, offering a spectrum of folk music from around the UK.

Allen Valleys Folk Festival (AVFF) is one of the highlights of the North East’s music calendar, bringing together both established and up-and-coming artists from a genre that’s growing in popularity.

With AVFF now in its tenth year, festival chairman Craig Atkinson said: “This year’s line-up has broad appeal with a mix of styles from traditional folk to world music. Gender balance has also been one of our guiding principles’.

Headliners include two folk legends - Jim Moray on Friday and Karine Polwart (pictured) on Sunday. Jim enters his third decade as a folk musician with previous appearances at Glastonbury, The Royal Albert Hall and WOMAD. Karine is a multi award-winning Scottish songwriter, folk musician and story teller with a magical stage presence. Joining her on Sunday is the inspirational Grace Smith Trio. Saturday headliners include Kate Young, one of Scotland’s most innovative musicians, and Smash Kafana, a magnificent nine-piece band playing a vibrant mix of gypsy, Balkan and Klezmer music.

Dance is also featured with Hadrian Clog and special guests performing their routines in the market square on Saturday afternoon.

Allen Valleys Folk Festival, 22-24 September, various venues. Ticket info and more from: avff.co.uk