AWARD winning Irish band Villagers will make their debut on the Friday night of the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival that runs from 25-28th August.

The five-piece Villagers is the creation of Irish songwriter Conor O’Brien who was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award last month for recent third album, Darling Arithmetic.

Conor plays every instrument, as well as recording and mixing it himself at home, revealing a single-minded artist at the peak of his already considerable song writing powers.

Lyrically, Conor treads a revealing path of love and relationships through beautiful and melodic songs.

With a clutch of awards and nominations, the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival will witness a performance from a band in the ascendancy.

Now three albums in, Villagers remains the front for anything its talented creator wants it to be.

Festival organiser Catherine Burke says: “I first heard of Villagers when they were shortlisted for the Mercury Music Awards (the first time) back in 2010, and then saw them when they supported the Fleet Foxes the following year.”

Catherine added: “They're such a brilliant band with great song writing and good music. They’re currently doing really well in the indie charts rather than going the 'folk route' - despite having a very folky sound.”

It’s been a successful time for acts appearing at this summer’s Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, with Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman winning Best Duo at the Radio 2 BBC Folk Awards 2016.

Other major headliners revealed so far include The Proclaimers, Eliza Carthy, Recreations and Nizlopi.

There are also even more new folk talents added to the festival line-up in recent weeks such as John Bramwell of I Am Kloot.

On the folkier side of things the line-up is looking great with a host of brilliant musicians (including BBC Folk award winners and nominees and Spiral Earth award winners); Lucy Ward, Maz O'Connor, Cardboard Fox, Boo Hewerdine, Sheelanagig, Front Country, Rory McLeod and Gilmore & Roberts.

Featuring a host of favourite attractions including 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.

Weekend tickets (Fri-Sun) include free camping and are on sale now at £110 (youth £55, children over three £30).

For further information, visit purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk