WALES Millennium Centre’s annual Folk Festival returns from May 1-4 with an exciting line up featuring Georgia Ruth, Patrick Rimes and Elan Rhys.

There will also be free performances by Rene Griffiths, Gwyneth Glyn and Gareth Bonello.

Celebrations begin on Friday 1 with a folk music session at The Old Market Tavern in Cardiff City Centre. Bring your instrument, grab yourself a drink, sit back and enjoy the music (free and open to all).

On Saturday 2, sees the free performance stage get underway at Wales Millennium Centre with Welsh artists Gareth Bonnello, Gwyneth Glyn, Richard James and the Rag Foundation.

Families can try their hand at making an instrument and join the dancing in the Twmpath Dawns (the Welsh equivalent of the Gaelic Ceilidh).

On Sunday 3 will be Patagonian folk singer Rene Griffiths who showcases music from our South American compatriots, celebrating 150 years of the Welsh settlement across the Atlantic. Joining Rene will be Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Dylan Fowler, Edward Jay, Gwilym Bowen Rhys, Robin Huw Bowen and Triawd.

Amongst a packed weekend of free activities, workshops and performances, witness six of the finest young folk musicians from Wales and England come together to explore and celebrate the shared history and culture of the two nations in Beyond the Marches: The Folk Songs of Wales and England at BBC Hoddinott Hall on Sunday 3.

A joint commission between trac: Music Traditions Wales and the English Folk Dance and Song Society, funded by PRSf, Beyond the Marches will feature Welsh artists Elan Rhys (from Plu), Patrick Rimes (from Calan) and Georgia Ruth Williams with rising English stars Archie Churchill-Moss, David Gibb and Lucy Ward. These six artists will collaborate on new interpretations of traditional music, woven together in their own unique styles.

For more information about any of the events please visit wmc.org.uk.