Purbeck Valley Folk Festival (24-27 August 2017) have begun unveiling the names in their lineup for 2017. They have picked some real gems which are sure to make this yet another unforgettable fun-filled family festival:
Badly Drawn Boy
Instantly recognisable with his trademark beard and bobble hat, award-winning musician Badly Drawn Boy is the latest name revealed in this year’s lineup. He will headline the Sunday night of this year’s Purbeck Valley Folk Festival. Badly Drawn Boy, aka singer-songwriter Damon Gough shot to fame in 2000 with his Mercury Music Award-winning debut, The Hour Of Bewilderbeast.
A shining light for British indie and folk music, festival organiser Catherine Burke is over the moon that Badly Drawn Boy is making his Purbeck Valley Folk Festival debut: “It’s a real coup for us to get Damon on the bill. We always thought he’d be perfect for the Sunday solo slot.”
Catherine added: “He brings his raw lyrical power to Purbeck Valley, coupled with his Mancunian humour and charm. It also doubles the amount of Mercury Music Award Winners performing this year, as Ben Ottewell from Gomez won in 1998. It should be something special.”
Ben Ottewell
Ben is one of the founder members of the group Gomez who rose to fame in 1998 with their Mercury Music Award-winning debut album. Ben will be performing solo with just his guitar, and as you can see in the video preview above, it will be a real treat.
3 Daft Monkeys
This will be 3 Daft Monkeys first appearance at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival. Anyone who has seen them live will know will know to expect plenty of dancing on the Saturday night they’re performing.
This is the Kit
Funnily enough, we bumped into Purbeck Valley Folk Festival organisers Cathy & Paul at WOMAD last year. It was here that they managed to catch This is the Kit, the much beloved musical project of Kate Stables. She’s long been associated with the alt-folk Bristol music scene alongside the likes of Rachael Dadd. Like Rachael, she can bring an intimate pin drop performance using minimal sounds and crank it up for a full band plugged in set. She’s unforgettable and will definitely be one of the highlights of this year’s lineup.
Lady Maisery
Anyone who follows us will know of Lady Maisery. They were our Artist of the Month for November and their latest album ‘Cycle’ is “without doubt, an album stuffed full of formidable singing and excellent musicianship.” They will light up any stage and are a perfect addition to the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival lineup!
Martha Tilston
If you’ve been reading our latest news, you’ll know that this enchanting songstress has announced details of her new album NOMAD released via Squiggly Records on May 12th. So by the time Purbeck comes around, you’ll know some of the lyrics…also watch Folk Radio UK this Friday for a video premiere from Martha. Purbeck seems like a second home to Martha who has been performing there for the last few years. In 2013 we recorded a live session at the festival which you can hear (even with background stage noises and the wind to contend with it was pretty magic). Watch it here.
John Smith
John Smith hails from Devon and is a fine singer and a great fingerstyle guitarist. He has four albums under his belt, the latest being Great Lakes which was released in 2013. He’s been building a solid fan base since and once you see him live you’ll understand why.
Blue Rose Code
Another name which Folk Radio UK regulars will know very well. He was also an Artist of the Month last year for …And, Lo! The Bird Is On The Wing, an album that Neil described as his best yet (read our review here). He also recently put on a spectacular performance at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall for his Homecoming show which Rob reviewed for Folk Radio UK (read it here). This will certainly be another festival highlight.
Curtis Ellers American Circus
God knows where this man gets his energy from (matched pretty much by his band), but his performances are unforgettable and will be an unexpected treat for those of you who have yet to see him perform. Our review of his last album How to Make in Hollywood is well worth the read. I quote from Paul’s review: What you have here is quality artistry with loose-limbed, plug-in and play theatrical improvisation that name checks a Sgt. Pepper’s menagerie of 19th and 20th century American celebrities and politicians on its way to completely bowling you over. His stage antics live up to the term ‘circus.’ Just don’t miss this performance.
M.G. Boulter
Yes, this year’s Purbeck Valley Folk Festival lineup is looking well-matched to the tastes of Folk Radio UK, and our regular readers of course… M.G. Boulter last album ‘With Wolves the Lamb will Lie’ was a Featured Album of the Month. AS Helen said in her review “Anyone looking for instruction in the dark art of writing meaningful and original songs would be well-advised to give this a good, close listen; meanwhile the rest of us will be over here, losing ourselves in Matt’s music.” Read the review here.
Gadarene
Anyone familiar with Gadarene will know this set will have you up off your seat as they present their ‘Ultra Modern Ancient Tunes’ blending obscure traditional English tunes, virtuoso acoustic musicians, funky beats and loads of energy….and some fancy footwork.
Flats and Sharps
Another Featured Album of the Month was King of My Mind, from young five-piece Cornish band Flats and Sharps – “a Saturday night record, a going out, indulgent, unrestrained binge of an album that frequently delights.” They return to Purbeck again so make sure you pack your dancing shoes!
There’s a lot more to be announced yet so keep an eye on their website.
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.
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, song sessions, cinema, poetry, Purbeck Rising and open mics.
Weekend tickets (Thurs-Sun) include free camping and are on sale now at just £110 (youth £50, children over three £30).
For details of the full lineup visit: www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk