DO you have what it takes to step out on stage and play in front of thousands of festival-goers?

Well now’s your chance to find out, as the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival launches its talent contest called Purbeck Rising.

Set to celebrate the flourishing UK folk scene, the annual competition was launched in response to the huge amount of applications received from bands and artists hoping to play the popular festival, held at Purbeck Valley Farm, Harman’s Cross, over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Festival organiser Catherine Burke explained: “We have thousands of applications from bands to perform at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival every year.

“We think we make pretty good choices when it comes to the music but as Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is your festival as well as ours, we thought it might be a good idea to let you do some of the deciding.”

The winning act will win a slot on a main stage at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival next year, a spot at Folk on the Quay festival in Poole in June 2018 and a day of recording in professional recording studios.

Headliners announced for the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2017 so far include Badly Drawn Boy, Turin Brakes, Ben Ottewell (from Gomez), Michele Stodart (from The Magic Numbers), Martha Tilston, Kathryn Williams, 3 Daft Monkeys and Dorset favourites, The Ben Waters Band.

To enter this year’s Purbeck Rising artists should email a link to a live YouTube video to info@purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk before Monday June 19 with the subject Purbeck Rising.

The best acts will be put up for public vote between Wednesday, June 28 to July 5 with the five most popular acts going through to the live final on the Long Barn at the festival on the afternoon of Saturday, August 26.

Previous Purbeck Rising contestants include a who’s who of upcoming folk talent with many going on to widespread acclaim.

Surrounded by spectacular views of Corfe Castle, accessible camping and some truly delicious food, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is just as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears.

Running over the August Bank Holiday weekend, revellers will be treated a host of other favourite attractions including kids entertainers, storytellers, craft workshops, music workshops, theatre workshops, song sessions, poetry, Purbeck Rising and open mics.

Weekend tickets (Thurs-Sun) include free camping and are on sale now for £110 (youth £55, children age 4-11 £30). Available from purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk

The family-friendly festival takes place on August 24-27 at Purbeck Valley Farm.

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