The Tom ‘n Ed Brothers from Cornholme are well known in Hebden Bridge. They perform there regularly at the Open Mic Surgery at the Stubbing Wharf pub. Their mixture of amusing and witty songs and dramatic story-telling are a bit of a legend along the Calder Valley.

Another musical duo from Todmorden invited to play in the Acoustic Tent are Sarah Barron and Rod MacDonald. Sarah plays the electric fiddle and is best known in the valley for her ability to jam with bands. Rod’s instrument is the flute and he again often plays with other musicians. Their new style of baroque music is very innovative and exciting, and a treat to listen to.

Joe Rybicki, from Todmorden, will be appearing in the Stubbing Wharf on the Friday evening as part of the festival’s extension into the town.

He is a highly accomplished young singer/songwriter who writes modern songs about teenage angst, love and all that. His stylish performances never fail to excite his audiences.

There will be 18 bands on the main stage from around the region, who will bring world music to the doorstep of the Calder Valley.

Todmorden citizens and music lovers are also contributing to the festival by volunteering to do a whole range of jobs needed to run a festival of this size, from collecting donations to helping run the family activity tent.

The festival is free but donations are invited from the festival goers. As Dave Boardman, the main organiser of the festival, said: “The WOYD committee invite the citizens of Todmorden to come and join us in a weekend of celebration of music and cultural diversity and help to make it a great weekend of entertainment and fun.”