The winner of this year’s Ely Folk Festival band competition was announced this week.

Six-piece indie roots band Rusty Shackle was selected by the folk festival committee from among a glut of entries, affording them the honour of opening this year’s festival on the main stage.

The group hails from South Wales and impressed the judging panel with their catchy tunes and high-energy sounds, making use of the fiddle, banjo, mandola, trumpet, percussion and vocal harmonies.

Andy Wall, chairman of the festival committee, said: “We had some great entries to the competition this year and it was difficult to choose an overall winner.

“But we loved the sound and energy of Rusty Shackle and the emotion expressed through their music which came through loud and clear. They’re worthy winners of our competition this year”.

Rusty Shackle will open Ely Folk Festival by performing on the main stage on July 10, sharing the Friday evening concert line-up with Steve Tilston, The Willows & The Demon Barbers XL.

Festival tickets are available, with weekend tickets starting at an early bird price of £67, which is available until the end of May. Tickets are also available for individual days. Reduced price tickets for concessions and young people are available. Kids under 10 get free entry. Details about ticket prices and how to book tickets are available at www.elyfolkfestival.co.uk