THE biggest jazz festival on the south coast swings into town for a fortnight of music this weekend and most of it’s free! Funded by Coastal BID, Jazz by the Sea 2018, which runs from June 24 to July 7, is set to attract thousands of visitors to the area.

Festival director, Gerry Clarke thanked the Coastal BID team for their ongoing support.

“With their help we will deliver the best and biggest jazz festival Bournemouth has ever had. A special thank you goes to the businesses who will open their doors to our talented musicians during the upcoming fortnight of jazz.”

Here are seven things you need to know:

1. The good news is that nearly all of it is free!

2. Sara Harris will kick-start the festival with a solo set during the Metropole Street Market at the Lansdowne from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, July 24. Free event.

3. The Dorset Queen will be running jazz cruises from Poole Quay starting at noon on Sunday, July 24 with The Revolution Club Band.

4. On Friday, June 29, UK jazz pianist Andy Quin is giving a free lunchtime concert at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth.

5. Renowned jazz singer Julie Dunn performs a tribute to Horace Silver at the Shelley Theatre in Boscombe on June 30.

6. To celebrate American Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4, there will be an American jazz film night and supper with Hollywood Movie Whiplash at Koh Thai, Bournemouth at 7.30pm.

7. On Saturday, July 7 the Sound Wave Sinfonia will be entertaining crowds with a free open-air concert on the Lower Gardens bandstand from 5pm.

For all the latest news , visit jazzbytheseafestival.co.uk