SPRING has barely begun, yet tickets for the Cursus Cider & Music Festival in May are selling fast.

The three day festival returns for its fifth year on the bank holiday weekend May 24 – 26 and will see a line-up of national, international and local acts entertain the crowd at Canada Farm near Sixpenny Handley.

Town crier and Cursus Festival DJ Chris Brown said: “Without doubt this is the best Cursus line-up so far and we are anticipating an early sell out. Put the date in your diary and start making plans for your first festival of the summer!”

Popular Ferocious Dog will be headlining the festival on the Saturday which organisers say is a real coup for this small, 500 capacity event. They will come to Dorset fresh from a sold out UK tour and the launch of their new album 'Fake News and Propaganda'.

Other highlights for 2019 includes acclaimed young folk singer Will Varley, Canadian polka-punks The Dreadnoughts and returning Dublin festival favourites The Eskies, plus many more on this diverse line-up.

Being a West Country based festival organisers have also drawn on the cream of the local music scene including Skimmity Hitchers, Black Water County and Bomo Swing, all held together by Wimborne's legendary DJ and compere Dapper Dan.

Festival Organiser Kevin Davis said: “Over the last five years Cursus has built a reputation as a down to earth, fun and welcoming small festival. As well as a first class, original music line-up we also offer the simple pleasures of spacious camping, communal camp fire, good food and cider."

Adult weekend tickets start at £65 with big discounts for under-18s and under 5s. Day tickets are also available in limited numbers. Full information including ticket sales can be found at cursusfestival.com