MUSIC, dance and entertainment – it’s full steam ahead for this year’s Christchurch Festival.

The event, which will take place on the Quomps this weekend, will start on Friday evening through to Sunday.

Bands including Boscombe Ukulele Social, the Blues Machine, Red Crow, Wonky Donkeys and Bafaana will play throughout the day on Saturday along with performances from Funkaholics and Galahad.

The event will begin at around 7.30pm on Friday night with performances from Lighthouse Bands and Voodoo Vegas.

And on Sunday, the music will begin at noon with Coda Folk Orchestra, Led Free, ABB, Mary Jane and The Southern Companion entertaining the crowds until Lady Winwood’s Maggot appears for the grand finale on Sunday evening.

The event raises funds for the Mayor’s charities, which this year include the Royal British Legion Christchurch Branch, Dorset Cancer Centre and Somerford Arc.

On Saturday, from 11am until 3pm, there will also be a dancing festival at the Quay and Saxon Square with performances from folk groups, belly dancers, Zumba Gold and hoopla dancing.

The site will open at 6pm on Friday evening with an entry fee of £3 for the evening.

Day tickets are £5 or £7 for a weekend ticket. See christchurch festival.co.uk for more details.