As final preparations get under way for the inaugural Sark Folk Festival, Colin Leach speaks to local artists who are on the bill alongside some big names in the world of folk.

Lisa Vidamour, third in picture, from the Space Pirates of Rocquaine said the band was looking forward to next week’s festival.
‘The line-up is great, there’s loads going on and we are honoured to be taking part in the inaugural event. We also have our guest mandolin player flying in from the UK and a couple of new tunes in the bag, so smiles all round,’ she said, adding that the band wished to thank the organisers for all their time and effort put into ‘making the event work on many levels’.

Mark Le Gallez, right, from The John Wesley Stone, who are playing the Alligande Stage on Friday, said he was really looking forward to it.
‘A few people have put a major amount of effort in to making it a success and I really hope it goes well for them. It’s certainly not my usual sort of environment and the Wesleys are really a country/rockabilly outfit but it’s going to be different and I think Sark will be the perfect venue – plus James [Meller, of Rocquette Cider] is making some special cider, so what’s not to like?’ The Wesleys will also be busking on the Saturday.

Mick Le Huray from The Barley Dogs – a band that has been actively involved in organising the festival and includes three members of the organising committee – said they were all looking forward to playing to a large crowd alongside loads of local friends and UK and French musicians.
‘Folk music is very social and apart from our own set we are looking forward to taking part in workshops and sessions. Some of these are planned but some will just happen. There seems to be a growing interest in folk music in Guernsey again and the festival may help to get a lot more people interested and involved in future.’
‘We all love music and Sark and for a weekend the two are going to come together in what should be a very special event,’ said Mick.

* The Sark Folk Festival runs from Friday 2 to Sunday 2 July. There are still places for camping for the festival but people should contact the campsites directly before heading over to book their space. Call La Vallette campsite on 832202, or Pomme de Chein campsite on 832316.
More information on accommodation is available on the website www.sarkfolkfestival.com.