A FAMILY-friendly festival returns next month after a two-year break offering "the best of New Forest in a nutshell", organisers say.

The three-day Burley Festival takes place at Manor Park between Friday, May 27, and Sunday, May 29, with a host of new attractions, family camping and free entry for under 10s.

The festival attracted more than 12,500 visitors in its first year and the organisers "couldn't be happier" to return after a two-year break. 

Festival organiser Marianne Brown of Mojo Events said: “As news has spread the reaction to the Festival's return has been amazing.

Bournemouth Echo:

“Clearly, the public appetite to get outside and be together again is as great as ever, but perhaps some people are understandably still a little cautious.

There's a lot going on at Burley Festival we've designed the site so there's plenty of room to move between the different marquees, areas and stages - it's great for families and groups of all sizes."

The event will see the New Forest's best artisan food and drink producers showcase their wares in Deer Street. There’s also a brand-new organic, vegan and veggie corner called the Roots Veg Patch.

Bournemouth Echo:

For music fans, the main Haystack Stage is open from noon on Saturday and Sunday with a daytime programme of jazz, blues, soul and funk bands winding down at the neighbourly hour of 6pm in favour of unplugged acoustic acts to play on into the evening.

There will also be classic cars, retro clothing and Lindy Hop lessons in Va Va Vintage.

Burley festival takes place from 6pm on May 27 and from 10am on May 28 and 29.

Tickets are available now at www.burleyfestival.com.