SlackFolk are about to host their third Acoustic Mini Festival at Firstsite and the line-up is a real corker.

Among those taking part include Farlanders, which is the creation of music students from Cambridge with ancestry stretching from Russia through Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Scotland, England, France and Ireland.

The band’s music consists of traditional folk songs with unique arrangements, and also original songs.

Also on the bill is Rosewood, one of the most popular and entertaining Colchester folk groups, who have played many times as a support act at the Arts Centre and When Rivers Meet who mix divine harmonies with soulful self-penned ballads and tight instrumental playing.

Perhaps the highlight of the whole programme will be a set from Joe & Jolene, which is made-up of Joe Hymas, best known for his role in Hayseed Dixie, the group that mixes Deep South sounds with heavy metal riffs and Jolene Missing from the Chadwell Hillbillies.

Both are two towering luminaries of the UK bluegrass scene, but for the SlackFolk festival will perform as a folk duo.

SlackFolk has been running in Colchester since 2010, on the second Saturday of every month, originally at wherever community group Slack Space was situated, hence the name.

But since the community organisation has been wound down, it has taken place at the Piatto Café in Priory Walk, and perhaps it’s this new home, which has given the monthly music club its own identity.

It was started by folk musicians Tom and Emma Hardy and is now run by Richard Brazear, singer, guitarist and mandolin player with Colchester groups The Four Blokes Trio and Grasshopper.

And perhaps in reference to that all three will be playing this weekend.

Tom and Emma Hardy with Alie Barnes will be playing traditional folk song and dance on fiddle and guitar, while perennial favourites The Four Blokes Trio, with Richard, return.

SlackFolk Spring Acoustic Mini Festival is at Firstsite, High Street, Colchester, from 12pm. Entry is free.