Last updated 05:31, Friday, 18 July 2008

BRAMPTON will burst into raucous life today. Every summer this quiet market town is subjected to a benevolent invasion.

Musicians and music fans, from around the country and around the world, flock here for a weekend of stunning sounds and electrifying atmosphere.

Brampton Live has become the biggest folk / roots music festival in the north, thanks not only to the talent of its stars but also the warmth of its welcome.

Music fans of all ages turn William Howard School and its grounds into a carnival.

This year’s attractions include Richard Thompson, Seth Lakeman, Bellowhead and Maddy Prior.

Since the event was born – on a much smaller scale – in 1995, Suzanne Vega, Steve Earle, The Waterboys, Kathryn Tickell and Lonnie Donegan are among the world-renowned artists to have brought top-class music to Cumbria.

Sunday is already sold out with just a few tickets left for some Friday and Saturday sessions.

While many summer music festivals have crashed and burned, Brampton Live continues to grow.

Dozens of acts. Thousands of spectators. Enjoy.

Read The Cumberland News next week for reviews of some of the major performers.