MAYBE it's the strong line-up for 2009, the success of previous years, or simply the lovely amphitheatre venue at The Waterside Centre.

Or maybe a combination of all three made The Daily Telegraph name The National Forest Folk Festival as the fifth best in the UK this year – just behind Glastonbury.

Certainly, the festival is compact, friendly and in a gorgeous setting with access to the entire Conkers Visitor Centre.

It's run by Nina Szifris and Mike Scott, who form a non-profit making organisation with the intention of promoting live traditional music.

Nina says: "It's a one-stage festival so we only have top-quality acts all weekend at prices which compare very favourably with other events

"Two artists (Seth Lakeman and Eliza Carthy) were appearing as major names at Glastonbury this year, while another (The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain) are appearing at The BBC Proms. All of them are being brought to North West Leicestershire under one roof."

Tonight the show opens with Seth Lakeman and his band. He is building on his reputation as a leading performer of his own brand of indie-folk. There will also be a chance to see the Monster Ceilidh Band as they give a concert performance accompanied by dancing where everyone can join in.

Nina described the atmosphere in the amphitheatre as unique.

"When The Levellers played it was amusing to see a moorhen wander across the stage," she says.

"We are also assured that the covered amphitheatre is comfortable for festival-goers in any weather."

The tiered seating caters for 800 people, indicating the festival's popularity.

Tomorrow there are two major concerts.

The first is in the afternoon, headlined by The Eliza Carthy Band. Award-winning Eliza has made several appearances on BBC TV's Later with Jools. She divides her time between touring and recording with her parents, Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson.

Also appearing in the afternoon is Pete Morton, a songwriter and performer from Nottingham. His songs are an unruly mix of humour, politics, love and social comment. The 100 Man Orchestra from Newcastle and the amazing Trevor Organ and his Crackin' Crockery Show complete the line-up.

Tomorrow evening is a major concert featuring the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, which provides a virtuosic, foot-stomping romp through rock 'n' roll, classical and melodious light entertainment from Tchaikovsky to Nirvana via Otis Redding and Spaghetti western soundtracks – all on ukuleles!

Also in this concert is Pete White's Suitcase Circus performing an amazing trick with a chocolate digestive biscuit!

Finally, Sunday afternoon will feature a showcase of talent.

Kerfuffle will front the concert. They are a Midlands-based four-piece band with a huge following featuring fiddle, accordion, guitar and bass. Also on Sunday afternoon is The Rachael McShane Band. Rachael is known for her work with Bellowhead but here she presents her band featuring her fiddle, cello and vocals with support of bass, piano and drums.

Apart from the music, there will be crafts, a real ale bar and camping facilities right next to the festival site.

NATIONAL FOREST FOLK FESTIVAL

WHERE: Conkers, Moira.

WHEN: Tonight until Sunday.

TICKETS: Weekend tickets £52 (family £104).

INFORMATION: Conkers on 01283 216633 or go to www.visitconkers.com or go to www.seetickets.com