Rightly hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Richard Thompson is the first major headliner to be announced for this year’s Purbeck Valley Folk Festival (16-19 August) and will be bringing his Electric Trio with him for the much-anticipated summer event.
The folk-rock pioneer and founder member of Fairport Convention will join the very finest from the flourishing UK and international folk scene and last played the festival in 2015 where he was one of the highlights.
Having co-founded the ground-breaking group Fairport Convention as a teenager in the 60s, Richard Thompson and his band mates virtually invented British Folk Rock. Thompson’s massive body of work includes over 40 albums, many Grammy nominations, an Ivor Novello and an OBE.
A wide range of musicians have recorded Thompson’s music including Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, REM, Del McCoury, Bob Dylan, Los Lobos, David Byrne, Don Henley and many others.
This year saw Richard release his second Acoustic Classics album on Proper Records, coupled with Acoustic Rarities. As an in-demand live performer, 2018 looks set to further cement his iconic status with a US tour and a date with the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival in August.
Thompson’s genre defying mastery of both acoustic and electric guitar along with dizzying energy and onstage wit continue to earn Richard Thompson massive new fans and a place as one of the most distinctive virtuosos in folk rock history.
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival organiser, Catherine Burke says: “We are over the moon to have one of the all-time greats of folk music returning to headline for us. I love this festival because of the amazing atmosphere made by the people who come. There’s loads of brilliant music; we’re music-lovers so we make sure it’s always really great music.”
Catherine added: “We love having the support of so many local people in the Purbecks and we’re lucky to have a fabulous venue at Purbeck Valley Farm. Best of all, there’s a wonderful feeling among people who are here to enjoy the music.”
Further headline acts will be announced for the family friendly festival over the coming months. Surrounded by spectacular views of Corfe Castle, Purbeck’s rolling hills, and with craft workshops and some truly delicious food, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is just as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears.
Revellers will be treated to a host of other favourite attractions including kids entertainers, storytellers, craft workshops, music workshops, theatre workshops, song sessions, poetry, Purbeck Rising and open mics.
Weekend tickets (Thurs-Sun) with or without camping are on sale now from £96 (youth £46, children age 4–11 £21).
