INSTANTLY recognisable with his trademark beard and bobble hat, award-winning musician Badly Drawn Boy has been revealed as one of the headline acts for this year’s Purbeck Valley Folk Festival.

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

Badly Drawn Boy, aka singer-songwriter Damon Gough, shot to fame in 2000 with his Mercury Music Award winning debut, The Hour Of Bewilderbeast.

His heartfelt lyrics also caught the attention of author Nick Hornby who commissioned Damon to write the soundtrack to the movie adaptation of his book, About a Boy, which starred Hugh Grant.

The 2002 film gave Badly Drawn Boy worldwide exposure and his songs continue to grace movie soundtracks.

Festival organiser Catherine Burke said: “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.”

She 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.”

More major acts will be revealed over the coming months.

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.

There’s also highly-rated new talent from Blue Rose Code, a top bill of sizzling American music (including Flats & Sharps), inspired folk music from Gadarene, Emily Barker, Jess Morgan Trio and the triumphant return to the festival for Moscow Drug Club.

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

There is also plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

Other attractions include kids entertainers, storytellers, craft workshops, music workshops, song sessions, cinema, poetry, Purbeck Rising and open mic sessions.

Weekend tickets (Thursday to Sunday) include free camping are on sale now at £110 (youth £50, children over-three £30).

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk