HUNDREDS of music fans are expected to attend the autumn Swanage Blues Festival - which boasts more than 60 shows by 40 bands at 15 different venues this year.

The four-day event, taking place across the Victorian seaside town from Thursday, is a firm favourite on the Purbeck music calendar.

The event is set to start with an appearance by event organiser Steve Darrington, alongside pals Hugh Budden and Robert Hokum, at the Legion on Thursday.

Steve said: “I will be playing again after Thursday’s opening. Robert has a band called the Great West Groove and on Sunday afternoon at the Grand I’m going to be playing with them and Hugh as the Swanage Skiffle Kings.

“It is something a bit different again, skiffle is making a big comeback.

“My old mate Lonnie Donegan, who I played with back in the day, started the craze and was a massive influence for lots of bands, including the Beatles and the Stones. Everyone was hugely influenced by Lonnie.

“It will be the usual great, fun-packed weekend for people. It is still only a tenner, which helps towards the costs of putting it all together.”

Other venues include Swanage Bay View Holiday Park, Grand Hotel, Sea Breeze Restaurant, Tawny’s Wine Bar, the railway station and most pubs.

Bands and artists appearing include 3 Buck Shirt, Anita Jardine, Backwater Roll Blues Band, Blue Touch, and the Fabulous Fezheads.

As in previous years, the festival will also include regular open mic sessions and include street buskers around town.

Steve wants revellers to buy at least one wristband for £10 to help cover the costs of the event.

He said: “If anybody thinks it is not worth a tenner, then don’t come. If you think you can just come over and not put a tenner

in, then it is not going to be for you.”

Visit swanage-blues.org for further information.

The festival takes place from October 6-9.