THE Millennium Fylde Folk Festival took place in Fleetwood last weekend, bringing more than 200 artists to the Fylde coast.

They performed at the festival in over 130 events in twenty venues throughout the town, featuring an eclectic mix of talent and music from international big names right through to local youngsters.

Highlights from the packed programme included an evocative set from the John Tamms Band at the opening concert on Friday evening in the Marine Hall, John Tamms being famous for his role as the singing soldier in the TV series 'Sharpe'. Eric Bogle, with his usual mix of humour and thought-provoking ballads captivated the final concert on Sunday evening. Last year's Mercury Music Prize nominated 'folk babe' Kate Rusby packed the Marine Hall with her superb vocal renditions of traditional and contemporary folk music. Canadian band Tanglefoot closed the concert, and indeed the festival, with a bang with their storming eclectic songs, fusing together a range of musical influences.

In addition to the main concerts there was also a host of fringe events in the pubs, clubs, and streets with singarounds, musicians sessions, dance displays, workshops and children's entertainment - in fact, something for everyone.

For the songwriter, however, the real highlights were two acoustic concerts from the John Wright Band. John and his band are rapidly becoming one of the biggest attractions on the worldwide folk circuit, with charisma, quality, talent, great musicianship and vocals all rolled into one great band.

Fylde Folk Festival 2000 was an outstanding success - roll on the rest of the millennium if this is this is a taster of folk music to come.