BUMPER crowds are expected at The Purbeck Folk Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The four-day event, that includes three days packed full of music, promises headline acts Eddi Reader, The South, Turin Brakes, Lloyd Cole, Sally Barker from the Voice and Nizlopi.

Other eagerly anticipated acts include Emily Barker, Fearne, Vena Portae and the Catherine Burke Band.

Festival director Paul Burke said: “Everyone’s talking about the Purbeck Folk Festival line-up.

“Everywhere we go someone mentions one of their favourite acts on the bill.

“This small festival has the best of everything. From folk-inclined chart-toppers to iconic songwriting starts, fabulous instrumentalists and dance workshops, Cajun and bluegrass to global, old folkie to young folkie, the cream of emerging songwriters on stage and in workshops. We pride ourselves on musical quality and there are 80 great acts performing with not a weak link among them.”

The festival, set at Wilkswood Farm, near Swanage, is now in its sixth year. Aside from the varied music line-up there’s also a host of additional entertainment on offer.

This includes an on-site cinema programme, art interventions and workshops, a fancy dress parade, bushcraft skills, pig roast, a poetry slam and a kids’ activity pen.

For those who like to sample a drink, there’s also going to be a beer festival with more than 70 local real ales and ciders.

Purbeck Folk Festival takes place from August 21-24, with the music starting on the Friday. Box office: 023 8071 1818 and purbeckfolk.co.uk.