Wallingford's BunkFest is back with a bang and will take over the town for a weekend next month.

The folk music and dance festival, now in its seventh year, was cancelled last year because of financial problems.

However, a small festival raised enough money for this year's full-scale event to go ahead.

It will be held in the town centre and in the Kinecroft from Friday to Saturday, August 29 to 31, with a street fair on the Saturday.

Artistic director Dave Newson said: "After last year's inevitably down-sized, though still lovely festival, BunkFest is back to big this year.

"We have concerts, dance displays, ceilidhs, a beer festival, a huge craft fair, workshops, storytelling and music on river boats and trains.

"More than 1,000 performers will be staging about 200 performances during the three days at 20 different venues.

"As usual, most of the events are free though donations will be encouraged to help pay for BunkFest 2009."

Headlining this year's BunkFest will be Osibisa, a Ghanaian, world music chart topping group, folk music veteran Martin Carthy, and well-known local folk artist Pete Orton.

Mr Newson added: "According to our estimate the festival brings about £500,000 into the town's businesses and 15,000 people. So it's extremely important.

"It's very important for the community too, because it provides a valuable cultural experience for the people of the town and a great deal of fun too. It really appeals to all ages."

The Cholsey & Wallingford Railway, whose branch line used to be called The Bunk and gave the festival its name, will host ceilidhs and other events.

Dennis Smith, landlord of the Cross Keys, in High Street, said: "We're hoping we are going to be very busy. It's a great community event and I hope it continues for many years."

The emphasis this year will be on environmental sustainability and on Wallingford's community groups.