There is a great folklore festival taking place in the Bulgarian Sredna Gora mountains from Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th August. It is possibly the biggest in Bulgaria and since 1965, is held every 5 years (I have been to the last two in 1995 & 2000).

The beautiful, small, mountain town of Koprivshtitsa is host to a veritable feast of folklore - costumes, music, singing and dancing. The colourful performances take place on the hills above the town by day, and in the evenings there are often impromptu performances in the cobbled streets and squares. It has been described as a cross between a pop festival and a medieval fair, certainly it's an experience not to be missed, especially the fire dance!

The British Bulgarian Friendship Society are running a tour, further details available from Dr. Annie Kay, Phone/Fax: 00 44 207 237 7616. Email: anniekay@btinternet.com or visit their website: www.bbfs.org.uk