THE next Swanage Blues Festival will take place over four days in early March, it has been confirmed.

Additional artists set to play the spring event include The Baroness and the Bear, following their popular busking and open mic appearances at past festivals, and Mungo Jerry.

Festival organiser Steve Darrington explained: "Mungo Jerry hopes to pop along and give us some support with a few Ledbelly tunes and some of his hits."

The festival, which attracts blues fans from across the world, takes place at a range of Swanage venues. But this year, the event's 25th anniversary, organisers also say they're looking for a certain kind of venue.

A second Swanage Blues Festival is scheduled for October.

"Some people have expressed a wish to see a 'quiet room' added to the festivals," said Steve. "So that artists such as Keving Brown Trio, Kris Dollimore, and Roland Chadwick, for example, can be better appreciated."

Bands and performers such as C Sharp Blues, Pete Christie, the Robin Bibi Band and the Fabulous Fezheads are among the host of acts taking part this year.

Steve says the event is able to keep going because of the loyalty of fans, who purchase wristbands.

He explained: "Swanage Blues Festivals are essentially big town parties that depend on festival fans buying wristbands, currently £10, to show they appreciate the music and want the festivals to continue.

"Many of the bands usually charge £10 admission per gig, so only £10 for one, two, three, or even all four days is a bargain

"If people didn't buy wristbands, registered security staff would have to be employed at a high cost. Weekend wristbands would increase from £10 to at least £25 just to cover these extra costs.

"When you buy a wristband for £10, you are ensuring the success of this festival and the future of these amazing events.

"Purchase of weekend wristbands is not compulsory although admission to each venue is at the discretion of the management and venues may require wristbands to be worn.

The Swanage Blues Festival takes place at selected venues in the town from March 3-6.

Visit swanage-blues.org for more information.