Described by Billy Bragg as one of this country's greatest cultural treasures, Shirley Collins was awarded an MBE in 2004 and most recently, picked up the honour for Exceptional Contribution to Folk Music at the 2008 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, where she was feted by Blur's Graham Coxon amongst many others. While Shirley famously hasn't performed live for many years, she has continued to lecture and to appear on radio as an authority on traditional music. The diverse line-up of guests assembled by Shirley for Folk Roots, New Routes attest to an influence and an address book that extends far beyond the world of folk music.

Performers appearing during this very special five-day festival at Southbank Centre, include guitarists/singer songwriters Martin Simpson and Alasdair Roberts, singers Chris Woods and Lisa Knapp, soprano Catherine Bott, as well as bands and ensembles including Rattle on The Stove Pipe, Martyn Wyndham-Read with No- Man's Band, The Brighton Morris, Hot Vultures 3 and Ned Oldham, on 25 March 2008, at 7.45pm.

Throughout Saturday 29 March, Shirley Collins hosts three talks discussing her musical past, influences and journeys, including, Romany Rai, about the songs of Southern English Gypsies; A Most Sunshiny Day, an account of the songs and traditions of her native Sussex; and, of course America Over The Water, which was a surprise hit when she brought it to the Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, in 2006. -- www.southbankcentre.co.uk