NEXT Saturday night at St Clement’s Church, Leigh-on-Sea, there’s a not-to-be-missed chance to catch a performance by Scottish folk legend Dick Gaughan.

He’s headlining a special night devoted to songs of resistance, democracy and peace to celebrate the acclaimed Voice and Vision double CD, which also features other artists on the Topic records/GFTU backed album.

Dedicated to Bob Crow and Tony Benn, the songs celebrate the lives and struggles of workers globally and all proceeds from the event go to funding the trade-union sponsored Leigh Folk Festival, which runs from June 25-28.

Over its 24 years of existence the festival has gained a reputation for innovative and eclectic programming, covering a huge diversity of musical performers from traditional and cutting-edge folk, roots, Americana and associated genres, as well as dance sides from the morris and clog traditions performing alongside exponents of contemporary and international styles.

There’ll be mummers, poets, storytellers, comedians and street performers and plenty of opportunities for the public to join in ceilidhs, “singarounds” and open-mic sessions.

Other highlights are performances by veteran guitarist Wizz Jones, Senegalese kora master Kadialy Kouyate, bluegrass from Sid Griffin’s Coal Porters, welcome returns to the festival for Scotland’s Trembling Bells and London’s acclaimed Stick in the Wheel as well as shows from Jackson Sloan and his Rhythmtones, Pete Morton, Mawkin, Tenpole Tudor and Wild Willy Barrett.

Remarkably for an event of its ambitious scope and scale, the festival is entirely run by unpaid volunteers under the direction of a charitable trust who work tirelessly through the year on its organisation to organise the many facets of the weekend. Union backing, too, has been critical in ensuring this thriving event’s development and survival.

What marks Leigh out is a true sense of community and pride, from the pastoral village fete atmosphere of the Library Gardens to the bustling Old Leigh waterfront. Both are fundamental to the spirit of the weekend, offering a natural, unpretentious welcome to visitors from all over the world.

There’s an extraordinary range of performances and activities on offer and for once the promise that there is something to appeal to everyone really rings true. Hope to see you there!

• For what’s on, visit leighfolkfestival.com and for more information on Voice and Vision, visit gftu.org
  Brian Denny