THE LINE-UP for the 25th anniversary Otley Black Sheep Folk Festival has been announced.

Organisers are promising a 'fantastic' selection of performers at this year's landmark event, which takes place from September 16 to 18.

A host of local, national and international musicians, including acclaimed Canadian trio Du Temps Antan, The Churchfitters and Lucy Ward, will be taking part at venues across town.

Many of the acts who played at the very first festival, back in 1991, will be involved, including Stanley Accrington, Robin Garside, Dave Vermond, Last Orders and Tanglefoot.

The line-up was unveiled at The Otley Tap House last week by MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), Black Sheep Brewery chairman Paul Theakston and festival organiser Steve Fairholme.

Black Sheep Brewery sales and marketing director, Jo Theakston, said: "We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the festival for 24 years and are delighted to show our support once again.

"It is shaping up to be another fantastic celebration in Otley and will offer a vibrant atmosphere for locals and visitors to Yorkshire throughout the weekend."

Mr Fairholme said: “It has been a privilege to have been involved with the Otley Black Sheep Folk Festival for all of its 25 years.

"This great, small town festival has grown and developed, and it is fitting that we celebrate our 25th anniversary along with our main sponsor, Black Sheep Brewery."

Mr Mulholland, who performs in his own folk act, Summercross, added: "The Otley Black Sheep Folk Festival has grown to become a permanent fixture in the town’s social calendar and one everyone in Otley looks forward to.

"I am delighted to be involved with the festival once again, especially in its 25th year, and I am looking forward to the celebrations in September."

This year's event will feature a new campsite in Pool Road – opposite Stephen H Smith's Garden Centre – which will be open from the Friday afternoon until Monday morning.

A festival 'profile raiser', meanwhile, will be held at Otley All Saints Parish Church on July 28, featuring Glen Folk, the Duncan McFarlane Acoustic Band and Fireside Knights.

Visit otleyfolkfestival.com for the full programme, ticket details and more.