A POPULAR annual vintage festival is set to make a return this summer - and promises to be bigger than ever.

The 2017 Shake & Stir Vintage Festival was officially launched at a special event at Brewhouse & Kitchen in Southbourne on Monday.

Welcoming local businesses and traders, organisers unveiled new plans for the festival including the closure of Southbourne’s main high street, enabling even more trade stalls and entertainment.

The festival, which is now in its fifth year, will host talented musicians, classic cars, motorbikes and bicycles, plus a selection of local food and drink stands.

For the third year, Southbourne’s local business community is represented by main sponsors Bournemouth Coastal Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the Southbourne-On-Sea Business Association (SOSBA).

Fiona McArthur, Chair of SOSBA and co-event organiser, said: “This year we can promise a bigger and better event that will truly put Southbourne on the map as a destination where locals and visitors can explore the wide variety of independent and high street shops, cafes, restaurants and bars on offer in Southbourne.”

Last year, the event attracted over 12,000 visitors and it plans to double this figure over the weekend by holding a series of competitions.

The festival takes place from Friday June 30 to Sunday July 2.

To find out more, visit www.southbournefestival.co.uk