THERE’S been many an award-winning artist to have graced the straw strewn stages of the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival (August 25-28) and this year is no different.

Three of the headline acts are nominated for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2016 being broadcast this evening.

Eliza Carthy is nominated for the prestigious Folk Singer of the Year. Folk music is literally in her blood, as Eliza is the daughter of English folk musicians singer/guitarist Martin Carthy and singer Norma Waterson.

Already a five time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner, Eliza will be performing live on the Sunday night at the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival with The Wayward Band, a talented 12-piece supergroup of prominent folk musicians that include Sam Sweeney from Bellowhead, Beth Porter and many more

Last year, Eliza, 40, was awarded the honour of an MBE for services to folk music in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Nominated for Best Duo is Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman who play the family festival on the Saturday. Sean is probably best known as eldest of the Lakeman brothers.

With four acclaimed albums and a previous Best Duo award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards have helped them cement a formidable reputation at the very forefront of British contemporary folk music.

Finally, Gilmore & Roberts who play the Sunday are also up for Best Duo. Interestingly, this will see Jamie Roberts up against his big sister Kathryn Roberts .

This year’s festival line-up also includes past BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees Lucy Ward and Maz O’Connor.

The Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2016 takes place on August 25-28. Weekend tickets (Fri-Sun) include free camping and are on sale now at just £110 (youth £55, children over three £30).

n For more information visit purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk