NOW in its 52nd year, the Towersey Festival will return next month with its own eclectic blend of folk, rock, and world music.

The festival near Thame was founded by Denis Manners and marked its 50th year anniversary in 2014 with performances from the Bootleg Beatles and Seth Lakeman.

Socialist songwriter Billy Bragg, who last headlined Towersey in 2011, will be one of this year's star attractions along with The Wonder Stuff, Kate Rusby and former Ultravox leader singer Midge Ure, from Friday, August 26 to Bank Monday on August 29.

Towersey Festival director Joe Heap said: "We’ve got a great mix of acts this year performing across six stages including at least four chart-toppers.

"There’s also some of the biggest names in acoustic and roots music, from the exceptional Kate Rusby to the crowd-pleasing Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain."

Mr Heap said there were several sell-out performances last year.

He added: "We’re combining the best of what people tell us they love about the festival, from the big names to the artisan food and drink and friendly vibe, with exciting new elements such as our Creative Quarter and workshop programme, which we’re expanding further for 2016."

Parents who want to bring their children along have been promised they will be entertained, with a new programme of family-friendly activities.

Under the banner All About Children, the expanded programme promises a range of events, activities and workshops designed to keep five to 11-year-olds amused throughout the 52nd festival.

There will be outdoor skills and learning, from den building to an exploration of wildlife habitat, as part of Hill End Forest Village, while a special family concert led by Johnny And The Raindrops promises sing-a-longs and lots of dancing.

For those with an interest in performing, singer Marion Fleetwood, from acclaimed folk rock act TradArrr, will lead The Children’s Festival Choir through their paces before an appearance alongside the group on The Big Club stage.

There will also be music-making workshops include ukulele lessons and a session with The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, who close the festival on Monday.

Other activities will include football skills taught by with Thame Leisure Centre’s team, plus storytelling, Zumba dancing, arts and crafts workshops, creative writing, and an adventure trail.

The festival's Lioux Heap added: "Previously, our children’s programme has been located in one particular area, but this year we’re spreading out across the entire festival site with a wider range of activities that mix fun with life skills.

"With special events like the family concert and ceilidh, we’re placing children and families at the very centre of the festival."

Also performing will be the Tom Robinson Band, and Nell Bryden, plus enduring Towersey favourites Roy Bailey, Rusty Shackle, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan.

The Wonder Stuff head to the festival as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations.

The Midlands band enjoyed several Top 40 hits in the early 1990s including the number one Dizzy.

Folk singer Kate Rusby received the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors’ Gold Badge Award in 2014 and has worked with Paul Weller, Richard Thompson, Blur's Graham Coxon and Radiohead drummer Phil Selway.

For further information visit towerseyfestival.com