A FANTASTIC foot-tapping weekend of folk beckons as Poole gears up for its free family folk festival this weekend on June 25-26, Folk on the Quay supported by Volvo Cars Poole.

Part of Poole’s Wave 105 Summertime in the South events programme, the free two day live music festival will see an outstanding line up of over 30 acts play across five stages.

In the evenings the music moves inside many of the local pubs and restaurants.

Across the two days a colourful festival of morris dancing will see performances throughout each day.

Developed by Poole Tourism, working with folk event music organisers Paul and Catherine Burke who run the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival and Bournemouth Folk Club, the event includes a main outdoor stage at The Thistle Hotel plus the Thistle Garden Stage, the Fish Shambles (opposite the Lord Nelson), the Poole Arms and the Custom House.

New this year, the line up also includes artists courtesy of ECC records who will be showcasing their work.

The Dorset record label will have five acts in action.

Founded in 2010 by Mark Constantine OBE (Lush cofounder and managing director), and Simon Emmerson (The Imagined Village, Afro Celts), ECC Records is a label dedicated to promoting radical new English roots music from folk to dub step to rap and spoken word.

The confirmed acts include Martha Tilston, Jackie Oates, Duotone (Barney Morse Brown), Ben Murray & Rosie Doonan and Locks.

All of these artists regularly collaborate with the Lush Spa and feature on the bespoke soundtracks that accompany their spa treatments.

Mira Manga, Label Manager of ECC100 Records says: “We are delighted to be part of this event that will draw so many people to visit Poole Quay where they can experience a fantastic celebration of folk music and the town of Poole.”

Confirmed music acts during the weekend include Saturday’s headliners CoCo and the Butterfields who will be bringing colourful, energetic and crowd stomping fun to the quay with their catchy urban pop vibe.

The Canterbury based band has won critical acclaim across the festival circuit and fans including Steve Lamacq.

In the afternoon, fantastic duo Rosie Doonan & Ben Murray have reunited for an unforgettable session.

With combined experience ranging from the Peter Gabriel Orchestra to War Horse, this is one not to be missed.

Martha Tilston comes from a musical dynasty, has supported Damien Rice and performs songs covering everything from the political to celebrations of love inner peace and the natural world.

Plus, New Zealand born Tori Reed will perform her jazz influenced vocals that will touch your heart and leave you wanting more.

On Sunday, winner of the BBC Folk Awards best newcomer and best traditional track Jackie Oates will be on stage, plus Canadian based Sultans of String with their flamenco, Arabic and Cuban inspired groove.

Not to mention Gypsy folk band Solana will be delivering their unique high energy mix of folk, Latin and reggae.

On Saturday, the morris dancing starts at 11am.

There’s live music performances from 12.30 until 9pm on the main Thistle Stage, with many acts continuing indoors on into the evening at pubs and bars along the Quay.

On Sunday, morris dancing starts from 11am with live music performances beginning at 12.30pm. The final live acts of the evening feature Catherine Burke playing at the Thistle Garden Stage until 7pm.

James Litton, General Manager of Volvo Cars Poole, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Folk on the Quay in 2016 for what should be an excellent weekend.

Volvo Cars Poole was involved with the event last year following our launch in a new showroom at Holes Bay under the ownership of Ocean Automotive and we are looking forward to displaying the latest in the Volvo range again in 2016.

“There are a number of great events going on in Poole over the summer and we are pleased to be supporting Folk on the Quay.”

Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman of the Poole Tourism Partnership, said: “Folk on the Quay has become a real highlight of Poole’s summer events and brings really enthusiastic crowds to the town for a wonderful weekend of free music.

“This is matched by the great support Folk on the Quay has received from Volvo Cars Poole and all the businesses that work to make it such a superb event.

The quality of the music and range of international and local artists on offer is just fantastic and the Quay is the perfect place to soak up the festival atmosphere.”

The event is supported by the Quay pubs and businesses with fringe events taking place at the Thistle Hotel, The Custom House, Lord Nelson, The Jolly Sailor, The Stable, The Crown Hotel, Rope & Anchor and the King Charles.

Local bands during the weekend include Thirstyman and fantastic eight -piece skiffle band Quinns Quinney, plus there will be great display of over 25 dance groups performing and the chance to Ceilidh on the Quay.

Programmes for the event cost £2 and will be on sale at Poole’s Tourist Information Centre with proceeds supporting the event.

For more information on the festival visit folkonthequay.co.uk or pooletourism.com Or you can keep up to date with the latest news on Twitter by following #FolkontheQuay.