WITH the sunshine forecast to return this Bank Holiday weekend, the line-up at this year's Purbeck Valley Folk Festival are sure to be given a warm welcome. The event is one of the biggest events in Purbeck's annual calendar and hundreds are set to flock to the rolling hills of Purbeck Valley Farm for the family festival.

Weekend tickets are still available, visit purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk for more details. Folk, roots and world music will all be celebrated this weekend and includes appearances from major artists such as Richard Thompson, Hot Rize, Justin Currie, Stornoway, Chris Difford, Kathryn Tickell & the Side and The Moulettes.

A number of home-grown talents will also be flying the flag for Dorset including favourites Fearne, Krista Green, Bonsai Pirates, Pete Christie, Djambo, Drew Allen, Tinderbox, Pachango, Polly Morris, Ian Brown, Jack Grace and Saturday Sun.

Tonight sees folk-rock pioneer Richard Thompson headlining the main stage. Having co-founded the groundbreaking group Fairport Convention as a teenager in the 60s, Richard Thompson and his band mates virtually invented British Folk Rock.

Thompson's massive body of work includes over 40 albums, many Grammy nominations, an Ivor Novello and an OBE. While tomorrow night sees Squeeze stalwart Chris Difford headlining Chris has penned such Squeeze classics as Up The Junction, Labelled With Love, Tempted and Cool For Cats.

A double Ivor Novello award-winning lyricist, Chris Difford shot to fame with Squeeze in the late 1970s writing some of the most enduring and best-loved songs of our time alongside friend and Squeeze co-founder Glenn Tilbrook.

Chris has 13 Squeeze albums, three critically acclaimed solo albums, countless top 20 hits, 52 American tours, 50 UK tours and a variety of global tours under his belt. Not to mention a new Squeeze album, Cradle To Grave, due for release in October.

Also on the bill for Saturday night is Del Amitri's front man Justin Currie. The Scottish singer-songwriter is responsible for hits such as Nothing Ever Happens, Always the Last to Know and Roll to Me.

Sunday sees a special headlining turn from highly-respected American group, Hot Rize who are famed for their award-winning performances. The quartet is currently celebrating its 36th year and has won many hearts with their irresistible combination of traditional and contemporary bluegrass.

Another Sunday night treat is rising folk-pop stars Stornoway. The quirky four-piece have enchanted fans and critics alike with the themed songwriting and arrangements.

Organiser Catherine Burke is extremely excited to be bringing so many well-loved artists together: “We have a broad definition of folk music at Purbeck Valley. As promoters we listen to the feedback our audience gives us. We always ask festival-goers to tell us who they'd like to see at the festival and, as well as introducing them to new music that we think they'll like."

Music fans are also in for a special treat, as Saturday's Songwriting Circle will see headliners Chris Difford and Justin Currie taking part. This is an intimate opportunity to hear the stories behind the songs from the musicians themselves.

Featuring a host of favourite attractions including comperes, stage crew, kids entertainers, storytellers, craft workshops, music workshops, song sessions, cinema, poetry, Purbeck Rising, open mics and the very best folk, roots and world music. All this surrounded by stunning views of Corfe Castle, accessible camping and some truly delicious food.

Tickets are selling fast for this year's festival, which takes place on 27-30 August. Weekend tickets (Fri-Sun) include free camping and are on sale now at just £110 (youth £55, children over three £20). A limited number of Festival day tickets are also now on sale at £50 per day (£25 youth, £10 child).

: For more information please visit www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk and for tickets call 023 80711818 or www.ticketsouth.co.uk