FESTIVAL fever is about to engulf Middlewich as crowds flock to enjoy the sights and sounds of the town's annual musical highlight.

The Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival will take over town from Friday to Sunday and the canals are already filling with boaters eager to start the fun.

Festival director Liz Rosenfield said: "At this point it becomes very exciting - my phone doesn't stop ringing, emails keep coming in and boats were already arriving a week-and-a-half before the festival."

Organisers are promising plenty to see, hear and experience during the weekend, from the spectacular festival parade on Saturday to waterway activities, dance, theatre and, of course, music.

Opening night will see folk legend Jonathan Kelly and the Dylan Project take to the stage with Saturday led by the award winning Michael McGoldrick, CrossCurrent, Karine Polewart, Tom Doughty and Kirsty McGee.

A Woman's Word, Hazel O'Connor and Levellers Acoustic round things up on Sunday.

But the biggest draw so far this year has proved to be Mark Radcliffe and the Family Mahone who are playing at the Royal British Legion, in Lewin Street, on Friday.

Liz said: "As we expected, the Family Mahone have sold out - we always expect that to happen and it always does.

"We really ought to move them to the main marquee but the legion and the Family Mahone would never forgive us - they love the legion spot and the atmosphere just wouldn't be the same."

Artists PJ Wright and Dave Pegg will be meeting their fans in workshops at the Boar's Head on Saturday morning and a variety of acts will also be performing in many of the town's pubs to form a vibrant fringe festival throughout the weekend.

l The Guardian has teamed up with the festival organisers to give away a signed copy of Michael McGoldrick's latest CD, Wired. Just anwer the following question: What night will McGoldrick be appearing? The first person to ring on Wednesday morning with the correct answer will win. Ring Gina Bebbington on 01606 813620