THE Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is celebrating the UK folk scene with its very own talent contest, Purbeck Rising.

Started in response to the hundreds of applications received from bands and artists wanting to play the Festival, Purbeck Rising offers an opportunity for new acts to play at the family festival with a main stage slot, a day’s studio recording and much more up for grabs.

The competition has been a springboard for previous finalists, such as Bournemouth-based trio Kadia and rising star Kelly Oliver who have since seen their profile grow rapidly since entering Purbeck Rising.

Both return to play the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival this year on the main stage.

To enter this year’s Purbeck Rising artists should email a link to a YouTube video to info@purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk before July 10 with the subject ‘Purbeck Rising’.

The best 10 acts will be put up for public vote between July 20-27, with the five most popular acts going through to a live final at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival on the Saturday afternoon of August 27.

Organiser Catherine Burke says: “Purbeck Rising is a great opportunity for bands to get involved in the festival.

“It’s not just for local bands - we’ve had entrants from across Europe. And although it’s a great chance for up and coming young bands to get noticed, we don’t discriminate with age.”

With over 70 folk, roots and world music acts - including festival favourites The Proclaimers - have been confirmed for this unique event on the Jurassic Coast.

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival will be held from August 25 to 28. See purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk