PREPARATIONS are being finalised ahead of the 21st Swanage Blues Festival, which is expected to attract thousands of music fans to the small Purbeck seaside town.

There will be 15 indoor venues and 30 bands playing the festival this year, making for more than 60 gigs over the three day event.

Bands such as Back Porch, Blue Touch, The Jawbreakers, Blues Machine and The Fabulous Fezheads are set to perform.

Event organiser Steve Darrington said: “This is the 21st Swanage Blues Festival I’ve done and fans come from all over the world.

“I want people to have fun and laugh, dance, drink, eat and make the most of this lovely seaside town with its quirky venues, super scenery, wonderful music and friendly people.”

Steve hopes to be sitting in on the festival finale on the Sunday night at Swanage’s Grand Hotel.

Venues this year include the East Bar, Bar One, White Horse, Anchor Inn, Swanage’s Mowlem Theatre and the Quayside Restaurant, among others.

Assorted buskers will be playing at the town’s railway station, getting everyone in the bluesy mood, on all three days.

Steve said: “There’s something for everyone and most of the venues are close to each other on the High Street. People can spend as much or as little as they like, and mix and match with food, drink and accommodation, choosing whatever’s right for them at that moment.”

Wristbands for entry to all of the venues, costing £10, are on sale at most venues, shops and the Swanage Tourism Information Centre.

The festival takes place in Swanage on March 7, 8 & 9. Visit Swanage-blues for more information.