A SERIES of free folk music workshops are taking place across the New Forest this autumn.

Folk in the Forest will see amateur musicians The Folk Orc host a number of events starting this Saturday (September 28)

The Folk Orc is led by talented multi-instrumentalist Chris Hopgood and began life at Coda Music Centre.

They now meet regularly at venues across Dorset and Hampshire to learn traditional folk music and perform as a group.

Instruments available to try during the workshops include mandolins, bodhrans, fiddles, banjos and more. Participants will be shown what to do and will learn some songs to play.

Saturday’s session takes place at Greyfriars Community Centre in Ringwood between 2pm and 5pm. Later the same day, an open session will be held at Ringwood Brewery from 8pm.

Workshops will also take place in Minstead on October 1, East Boldre on October 5 and New Milton on October 27.

There is no need to book for the workshops or open Sessions, just turn up.

The tour will culminate with The Folk Orc 10th Anniversary Big Gig on Sunday, October 27, at the Forest Arts Centre in New Milton.

For full details visit folkorc.co.uk or coda.org.uk.