The first wave of acts to play at Purbeck this year have been announced and it’s looking brilliant…

Ben Ottewell (from Gomez) 
3 Daft Monkeys – This Is The Kit 
Blue Rose Code – John Smith
Lady Maisery – Gadarene
Rob Heron & Tea Pad Orchestra
Ben Waters Band  – Moscow Drug Club
Curtis Eller’s American Circus
Emily Barker – Flats & Sharps
Hatful of Rain – Vera Van Heeregen
Jess Morgan Trio – Delphis
Screamin Miss Jackson & the Slap Ya Mama Big Band
Quinns Quinney – MG Boulter

Countdown to summer: The Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is back and better than ever

The wait is over. The first wave of headliners have been announced for this summer’s family friendly Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2017.

Tickets have already been selling fast for the popular four-day event that takes place on 24-27 August at Purbeck Valley Farm.

Artists confirmed so far include singer-songwriter Ben Ottewell from Mercury Music Award winners Gomez, energetic Cornish band 3 Daft Monkeys and Dorset favourites The Ben Waters Band.

Then there’s highly-rated new talent from Blue Rose Code and a top bill of sizzling American music from bands such as Flats and Sharps, Curtis Eller’s American Circus and Screamin Miss Jackson & the Slap Ya Mama Big Band who bring that irresistible New Orleans sound.

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival organiser, Catherine Burke says: “We’re really excited about the line-up we’re putting together for this year. It’s a really good eclectic mix with something for everyone. We’re keeping to the same mix of lively bands, great songwriters and attractions that will make your jaw drop.”

If that wasn’t enough, more major headline acts are to be announced over the coming months.

The festival champions local music, traditional song-writing and originality and is a big draw for music lovers of all ages.

Other acts revealed will see raw talent and inspired folk music from Gadarene, Jess Morgan Trio and the triumphant return to the festival for Moscow Drug Club.

There’s also music from Delphis, the winners of last year’s annual Purbeck Rising talent showcase and hypnotic world music from Tashkezar. The organisers strive to carefully choose artists for an exciting festival that reflects the diversity of the current folk scene, with plenty to keep music lovers and families entertained.

Catherine added: “We ask our festival goers for feedback each year; who they enjoyed the most, who they’d like to see back and who else we should book. We take all of the feedback into account and try to keep everyone happy. There are going to be some very happy festival-goers looking forward to Purbeck Valley Folk Festival this year!”