Purbeck Valley Folk Festival

Based on a little sheep farm it’s “how festivals used to be” – friendly, great for kids and adults alike, and small enough to be able to wander around and not lose your friends.

They have workshops so you can have a go at juggling and circus skills, face-painting, loads of arts and crafts, puppet shows and drama and games workshops.

There will be a music workshop led by some of our younger performers at the festival. This is for young people that can already play their instruments and gives them a chance to get together with other young ‘folkies’ (and not so ‘folkies’) and make some noise! Last year this workshop culminated in a the group getting up on stage for a performance on the Sunday afternoon.

Purbeck Folk Festival covers the broader definition of folk music and you can hear music from all around the world; some deep and meaningful, some get up and jump around. There’s something for everyone’s musical taste. There are three big barns, used for stages and the bar, which mean that you’re dry if it rains, but there’s a big grassy bank to sit on in the sunshine.

What’s On?

There’s a tradition of giving the young ones a chance – the line-up often features finalists from Radio 2’s young folk awards, and the best, vibrant young national and internationally known artists as well as a few oldies and the best of Dorset’s local music scene.

As well as marvellous music and the best-stocked bar in the county, including for the grown ups the festivals very own beer called Buzz Lightbeer, a summery golden beer locally brewed especially for the event.

Purbeck Folk Festival promises four days of family-friendly magic and mirth a stone’s throw from the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The additional entertainment includes an on-site cinema programme, local food marquee, art interventions and workshops, a fancy dress parade, a poetry slam and kids’ activity pen with captivating storytelling sessions, singing workshops, balloon modelling, face painting and have-a-go circus skills sessions.

Located in the village of Langton Matravers between Corfe Castle and Swanage, the land at Wilkswood Farm is devoted to conservation and environmental protection of a wide range of habitats. There’s a handy bus to Corfe Castle/Wareham and Swanage every hour both ways, while Harmans Cross station is a 15-minute walk away where you can catch the steam train to Swanage or Corfe Castle.

www.purbeckfolk.co.uk