Well my advice would be to ask for advice - looks like I am late to the party.

Seriously though get all the free publicity channels sorted - websites d8^]) - TIC's, Libraries, Local radio & TV (they prefer footage in advance and they use it maybe). If it is Oxford - is the Oxford TV channel still going? Get all your artists to hand-out publicity wherever they appear. They, at least, are motivated but get friendly shy modest folk slueths to do it for you - some of them actually put the paper in peoples hands - it is a bit more personal than dropping it on a table full of bumph. Folk Club members ditto if they are willing. Maybe choose artistes (first year at least) that are good at this eg Andy Caven. AND magazines - but I guess you have that one on board eh? No I meant rival mags.

I have done beer mats, stickers, Sweat/T-shirts in advance for the committee (indeed the sales paid for all advertising the first year I did this - 9 months in advance!!). I got a lot of comments like "you're a bit ahead of yourself aren't you" to which I replied "well you know it's on and when don't you?" - they always replied in the affirmative. I even indelibly marked the "house" logo on an umbrella. It all gives it a patina of professionalism and a sense of having been established - some folkies never come to the first one!

Bob - is this theoretical or have you a location in mind?

If Oxford there are very healthy Oxfolk events - so a ceilidh starts with a potential audience - if possible liaise with their organisers to avoid clashes.

If Oxford there must be some gov budget for this - payback is usually morris displays etc but this what you would be doing anyway - maximise the local and casual tourist draw. Play on the Headington Morris connection etc etc.

Good luck Bob - I feel sure most of what is said is not new to you but it does help with proiritorising it.