Now in its sixth year, the successful Fife Traditional Singing Weekend, 'FifeSing', will feature old songs and bothy ballads in concerts, singarounds and workshops or talks on topics related to traditional song and culture.

Described by the organisers as 'a celebration of traditional singing for singers and enthusiasts', the event — which starts on Friday, May 16, and runs for three days — takes place at Fife Animal Park near Collessie.

Renowned singer Brian Watson from Northumberland makes a first visit to the festival after event organisers Pete Shepheard and Arthur Watson met him last year at the Whitby Folk Week.

Another guest new to the event is Sara Grey who is originally from the United States and now living in Perth.

Pete said: "Sara is a superb exponent of the old time ballads — a ballad singer of great strength with a fine understanding the art of ballad singing.

"Her lovely voice alone makes her one of the most popular singers on the folk scene, and on many of her songs, Sara accompanies herself on five string banjo."

Other guests include young singer Shona Donaldson from Huntly — a recent graduate from the RSAMD — Glasgow singer Ellen Mitchell and Jimmy Hutchison from Newburgh.

As usual, Ron Bissett, the well-known local bothy ballad singer from Falkland, will be providing down to earth entertainment with his songs.

Alex Clarke from Dundee, whose songs were received with great acclaim last year, will be a first time guest.

The great north east singer Jock Duncan from Pitlochry, who has been a guest several years past, will be at the events on the Saturday afternoon and the evening concert.

The main concerts of Old Traditional Songs and Bothy Ballads take place on the Friday and Saturday evenings and tickets are still available by calling 01337 830773.

The Saturday and Sunday mornings are given over to talks, which are not to be missed by anyone interested in the roots of traditional song and balladry and the social context.

More information is available at www.springthyme.co.uk/fifesing