A POPULAR annual music festival is taking place in Poole.

The family-fun Grooves on the Green - which takes place across two days from today - has seen hundreds turn out for music and entertainment at the heart of Ashley Cross.

As well as the bands there is a silent disco, acoustic music and comedy for all ages.

Punters can enjoy locally-brewed real ale at the dedicated bar while there are plenty of stalls around selling a variety of foods including sausages, burgers, waffles and ice-cream.

There are also children's activities and games, and stalls selling sportswear, jewellery and clothing.

And it's all in aid of a good cause.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Diverse Abilities charity, which has received around £10,000 from the Grooves event over the last 15 years.

Co-owner of Le Bateau and one of the event organisers, Janice Crump, said: "Thank you to everyone who has helped over the years to make it such a successful event. We have raised about £10,000 for Diverse Abilities over the years doing this so thank you very much."

Billed as a community family festival, the event on Ashley Cross Green includes performances by the Freefall Collective, Dubheart, Pachango, Proghorn, the Mother Ukers and others.

There will also be a comedy and poetry stage, a kids' zone, a silent disco, face-painting, craft stalls, real ales and ciders, a BBQ and food stalls.

An event spokesman said: "Due to our licensing conditions for the event alcohol cannot be brought into the licensed area. We will be searching and checking bags on entry.

"Glass is prohibited within the fenced licensed area."

The festival began at 12 noon yesterday and continues today.

Tickets, costing £5, are available via groovesonthegreen.co.uk or from the Le Bateau bar, opposite Ashley Cross Green.