TRADITIONAL music is just one part of a whole host of entertainment on offer at Chester Folk Festival this month.

You can try out yoga, songwriting, fiddle, melodeon or even English bagpipes.

Informal events will also run side-by-side with headline attractions such as ceilidhs, dance displays, crafts and children’s entertainment during the three-day event from May 24 to 27.

Among the top acts will be Ritchie-Parish-Ritchie (RPR).

Brothers Rob and Steve Ritchie together with Al Parish were the backbone of Canada’s Tanglefoot until the band split in 2009.

They have joined forces again as RPR, which has been described as both a joyous and raucous musical experience.

BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner Greg Russell is also expected to attract a bumper crowd.

It will be a proud moment for his dad Dave, who is one of the organisers of the festival.

Former accountant Les Baker will perform his ‘strange poems’ that have been recorded by the likes of John Humphreys, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Jenny Agutter and Prunella Scales.

Meanwhile, Chester Folk Festival regular Jez Lowe will be joined by his band The Bad Pennies.

New this year is The Youth Room, workshops aimed 12 to 20-year-olds where participants get together, exchange ideas and create music together.

Organiser Dave Russell said: “Many people will be aware that Chester has a vibrant and youthful acoustic music scene.

“So we’re especially pleased that at this year’s festival we will be showcasing some of the finest newly-established young talents in national and local folk music.”

Chester Folk Festival was founded in the 1970s and takes place in Kelsall.

Day and evening tickets and weekend passes will be available from the festival office which is near the Lord Binning pub in Chester Road or buy them in advance at chesterfolk.org.uk