IT’S the small folk festival with the big line up - and it’s back in Hampshire next week.

Now in it’s eighth year, The New Forest Folk Festival brings a brilliant line up of folk favourites to a family farm in Plaitford, on the edge of the New Forest.

Heading the bill is one of the great storytellers, Ralph McTell. The folk favourite is now celebrating more than 50 years on the road. Known for his virtuoso guitar style, he is primarily a prolific and gifted songwriter.

Fiery, soulful, and influential English rock outfit The Oysterband, acoustic favourites 3 Daft Monkeys, pictured, and folk funnyman Richard Digance will grace the stage.

Also on the line up are Ashley Hutchings’ The Morris On Band, Gigspanner Big Band,The Sandy Denny Project, Reg Meuross and Merry Hell.

Local artists Southampton Ukulele Jam, Matt Black and Plaitford Common will also appear at the event, which gets under way on Wednesday and runs until Sunday July 7.

Festival-goers are encouraged to catch up with friends over a pint of real ale or a glass of Somerset cider along with delicious homemade food with camping also available.

With it’s single stage at the bottom of a gentle slope, music lovers can relax in their folding chairs or get up close and enjoy a dance whenever they feel like it. They can also go for a leisurely wander around the trade stalls, chill out in the woods or visit the bar. There is even a conducted walk out on Plaitford Common each morning to take in a flavour of the surroundings.

During free workshops and singarounds at the woodland fringe, people can enjoy a mixture of subjects such as slide guitar with PJ Wright, fiddle playing with Tom Leary, song writing with Reg Meuross, ukulele for beginners, poetry, morris dancing and lots more.

There is also a children’s play area where youngsters can also learn about nature and animals.

Nick, Helen and Keith Curtis, and their families organise the event, which takes place on the family farm. It has grown to become an important event on the folk calendar and attracts some big names.

Tickets are £105 for the whole five days and day tickets cost £40. Children are roughly half price and under 5s are free.

Tickets and details at newforestfolkfestival.co.uk