A long weekend of folk music is on the cards for Trowbridge in a bid to make up for the loss of the popular Village Pump Festival this year.

The festival, which usually attracts thousands of people each year, was cancelled because of funding problems. It is expected to return in 2012.

John Alderslade, a founding chairman of the committee that set up the Village Pump Folk Festival in 1974, stepped in to rescue part of the festival.

The new Weekender event will run from July 22-24 at the Lamb Inn and Village Pump Folk Club, in Mortimer Street, Trowbridge.

Some bands will also play in the skittle alley at the side of the pub.

Mr Alderslade, of Church Lane, Melksham, said: “I was sad to hear that this year’s event will not be taking place.

“Lots of people were asking me if the Village Pump Folk Club would be holding something, so a public meeting was organised and from that came a group of people who set about organising The Weekender.

“The group is made up of former and present members of the festival team, together with folk fans who, instead of bemoaning the cancellation, want to do something about it.

“So here you have it, a group of people who just want to have a good time with fellow folk fans.

“I hope The Weekender will appeal to lots of people.”

There will be sets from Downes and Beer, Phil Beer and Miranda Sykes, Reg Meuross, Jenna Witts, Brian Willoughby and Cathryn Craig, Helena Softly, Mike Scott, Jenny Crook, the Silver Street Band and more.

Numbers are strictly limited with just 100 people in The Pump and 100 at the skittle alley.

The festival will open from noon each day until late.

For tickets, call Abi on 0843 289 6542, Woody on 0843 289 6472 or visit www.villagepump.org.uk.