ONCE again, Clun will host The Green Man Festival, its traditional May Bank Holiday event celebrating the arrival of spring, with outstanding music, family entertainment and a marvellous craft fair in the shadow of Clun Castle.

Following its successful music programme of last year, Clun Memorial Hall is hosting two major bands: The Popes, supported by Luke Day, on Saturday and the evergreen Wurzels on Sunday, with local band the Whisky River Boys. Tickets are available from skiddle.com (0844 884 2920).

For those living locally, a limited number of tickets are available to buy in person (cash/cheque only) at the White Horse Inn, Clun, and at Enterprise House, Bishop’s Castle.

On Sunday, from noon, there will be free entertainment for all the family in Clun Square, and the now-famous Frost Queen’s Street Fair will include return visits from the Rhythm Maker and Swords of Chivalry; theatre from Kaleidoscope Theatre Company; Clun Mummers and, of course, the Frost Queen and Green Man. With street entertainers, food stalls, jazz and more, it’s an unmissable day out.

“Green Man 2009 features a mix of music and drama, much of it deeply rooted in tradition,” says Jack Limond, festival chairman. “But we aim to showcase local young talent and offer something fresh every year. That’s why we’ve got even more community-based performers this year than ever before.”

Monday, May 4, is Clun Green Man day, with the unique Battle on the Bridge ending the procession through the town, and the Green Man battling with the Frost Queen to herald the arrival of spring in the Clun Valley.  Afterwards, visitors can browse dozens of stalls in the castle grounds, courtesy of English Heritage, buy local crafts, watch demonstrating artisans and be entertained by medieval sword fighting, maypole dancing and duck racing.  Shropshire folk band Whalebone will play a free gig at the craft fair. Entry to the May Fair costs £3 for adults, accompanied children £1, children under five free.

Full programme details can be found at clungreenman.org.uk.