Mairi Campbell to sing out for her ain folk

Mairi Campbell's performance of Auld Lang Sang as one half of duo The Cast, has become a musical classic.

But there's more to the Edinburgh-based singer than simply one, traditional, much-loved, tear-jerking song.

And soon fans will have their first chance to hear her own original material at a performance which is expected to be one of the many highlights of Edinburgh's annual Ceilidh Culture festival.

She'll take to the stage at the Voodoo Rooms to showcase songs she's penned herself and with husband Dave Francis for her forthcoming solo album, tackling subjects as diverse as mother-daughter relationships to Portobello, family life and even post-natal depression.

"They are more modern and contemporary songs but they're still traditional songs," she insists. "I wanted to write songs that the audience would relate to, but with a modern edge that reflects life today. What was great about Sex And the City and Auld Lang Syne is that they gave me the confidence to go on and launch my solo career, use my own voice and perform my own songs."

Fiddler and singer Mairi appeared alongside husband Dave as The Cast for the song that launched them on to the international stage two years ago.

The incredible reaction the song received culminated with a nerve-wracking performance in front of former US President Bill Clinton, his wife Hillary and a host of Hollywood celebrities at an event to celebrate the life and work of acting legend Sean Connery.

Edinburgh's traditional arts festival, Ceilidh Culture, might not be on the same scale, but Mairi is equally excited to have the chance to perform on home territory next month – both solo and as musical director of her community-based "folk choir", Sangstream, who will perform at Augustine United Church.

Mairi, who grew up in Morningside, is clearly delighted to have the chance to perform in her home city alongside both local and international folk artists: "Ceilidh Culture is a bit like 'the folk Fringe'," she says. "There's a great feeling around it because it's musicians that are the ones who are booking the venues and making it happen. And there does seem to be a traditional music revival at the moment – perhaps because it provides some security for us in these troubled times."

The festival has slowly grown in stature since it was launched eight years ago. It now stretches to three weeks of music, dance and storytelling, and is headlined this year by one of the UK's best-known folk artists, Kate Rusby.

The 36-year-old, a one-time nominee for the coveted Mercury Music Prize, will draw the festival to a close on 18 April at the recently-refurbished Usher Hall.

Before that, however, there will be performances from more than 30 acts, home-grown as well as international talent from as far afield as the US, Paraguay, Germany, Sweden and Thailand.

The festival also embraces the Edinburgh International Harp Festival, which will bring together some of the finest harpists in the world from 9-14 April.

For the first time it will feature a street fair on Castle Street, bringing food, drinks, crafts, fashion and music to the city centre over the Easter weekend.

Steve Cardownie, festivals and events champion for the city council, says this year's festival is intended to be a celebration of Scotland's traditional arts.

"The festival brings together a dazzling line-up from more than 30 contributors, proudly showcasing homegrown talent alongside international acts.

"This year we are delighted to announce the first ever Ceilidh Culture Street Fair. So whether you want to show off your reeling prowess, listen to some top notch Celtic music and storytelling, shop for some fabulous Scottish produce or simply enjoy the carnival atmosphere, Ceilidh Culture 2010 has something for everyone."

• Visit www.ceilidhculture.co.uk. For more details on Mairi Campbell, log on to www.myspace.com/mairicampbell