GET ready to swing this summer as the new look Jazz by The Sea Festival looks set to be bigger and better than ever.

Previously known as The Bournemouth Jazz Festival, the popular event will include new venues around Bournemouth and Poole.

Attracting popular jazz musicians to Dorset for one week, the festival opens on Sunday, June 11 with a family jazz concert at Lighthouse, Poole, hosted by BBC Radio 2's Clare Teal with the Guy Barker Big Band and guests.

New to this year's festival, is the launch of a unique Jazzmobile - a self contained mobile stage designed to present live music in public places throughout festival week.

Anotehr new feature is the launch of the Dorset Queen Maritime Jazz Machine as part of Poole's European Maritime Festival.

this classic passenger boat will be showcasing jazz on Poole Quay on June 11.

Jazz by the Sea will cater for all members of the community, with performances for the elderly in care homes, as well as an event for the jazz stars of tomorrow which will engage students and young people through local schools, colleges and Bournemouth University.

This year also marks a special celebration of international music and culture with the ETC International College to engage with overseas students.

Sponsors and supporters gathered at the official launch at Koh Thai restaurant in Bournemouth yesterday with music by jazz duo Zoe Schwarz and Rob Koral.

Festival director Gerry Clarke said: "Jazz By The Sea seeks to celebrate music and culture in Dorset, enhancing the region's cultural profile, whilst increasing tourism and contributing to economic and cultural growth."

Throughout the week, there will be live jazz performances at various locations, including retail outlets and shopping arcades as well as a variety of themed jazz events in partnership with hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants.

The festival closes on Saturday June 17 with the World Jazz Jamboree, a unique selection of individual concerts showcasing jazz music from around the world.

Highlights include the sophisticated sounds of the saxophone in a European jazz quartet including Brazilian Bossa Nova singer, a Cuban jazz violinist and the beats of an African Township band,

For more information, visit facebook.com/JazzByTheSeaFestvial and on twitter @jazzMusicFest