THE first half of South Lakes Music Partnership's 2017 programme has been announced, with highly-regarded national names and returning local favourites heading to the region.

Ulverston Sports Club will once again play host to the cream of the current folk, country and acoustic scene, having welcomed numerous world-renowned acts in recent years.

The not-for-profit SLMP continues to attract a strong list for it's spring and summer programme, with Steve Chapman Smith getting things under way on Friday February 3.

The former Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and Ghostdance member continues to establish himself as a solo act, showcasing his original material with a few much-loved covers from artists such as Steve Earle, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Gram Parsons and The Stones.

Exactly a month later, and it's the turn of Hadrian's Union to visit. Formed in 2010, they signed to independent Cumbrian label Fellside Records in 2013, before disbanding later that year. Now back as a five-piece, the band have worked hard to develop a new sound which incorporates all of their musical influences including Lindisfarne, Bonzo Dog Dooh Dah Band, and Fairport Convention.

Friday April 7's headliner is Keith Donnelly - a popular singer-songwriter, as well as a children's entertainer, he is equally well-known for his duo, Dark Horses, alongside French performer Flossie Malavialle.

The most local act on the programme - and arguably the most high-profile - is Gerry Colvin, a Barrovian who has been performing live for more than 40 years. He co-founded and fronted the legendary John Peel favourite skiffle-cowpunk indie outfit Terry & Gerry, collaborated with Alison Moyet, wrote and presented for BBC Radio 2, played Glastonbury with The Atlantics, and also formed Colvinquarmby, who were voted best band at the prestigious Fairport Convention Cropredy Festival in 2009. He appears in Ulverston on Friday May 5.

Midlands duo My Darling Clementine arrive on Friday June 2, playing from their three Radio 4-championed albums, with highly-rated young singer-songwriter Sunjay the last booking announced so far, playing live on Friday July 7.

Tickets for the shows can be booked in advance via the links at www.ulverstonlivemusic.co.uk