A stately home is opening its gates to thousands of festival goers this weekend.

Around 3,000 music fans are expected to descend on Glemham Hall, near Saxmundham, for FolkEast.

Organisers are promising a varied programme of activities and festival producer John Marshall-Potter said he could not wait to get started.

“We’re incredibly excited for this year’s event with such an eclectic line-up representing folk music past and present,” he said.

“Suffolk has a fine heritage of arts-based festivals and this is just one in a long line tracing its roots back through the Albion fairs of the late 70s. Best of all we’ve got our own Cobbold FolkEast Festival ale ready on time.”

The likes of Steeleye Span, Eliza Carthy and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will be joined by many other artists across three stages.

There will also be a host of other attractions, such as food stalls, displays from local artists and crafts people, dancing and talks.

The Church of St Andrew, which is situated on the site, has also become involved, providing a unique setting for a varied programme, including a talk on 17th Century witch hunts and a performance of the music and poetry of Molly Drake – mother of folk musician Nick Drake.

Local pubs, too, will join the festivities, with the Blaxhall Ship and Glemham’s Crown hosting fringe programmes.

The festival, which is located just off the A12, is running from today until Sunday.

Tickets are still available online or at the gate. They range from £34 to £124 with concessions and discounted group tickets available, while children aged 10 or under go free.

For more information visit www.folkeast.co.uk.