MUSIC fans can look forward to a whole weekend of live bands and entertainment in Christchurch starting on Friday.

The Christchurch Festival kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday night with the Boscombe Ukelele Social, with 16 bands scheduled to perform at the Quay from 12.30pm on Saturday and from noon on Sunday.

There will also be dance demonstrations in Saxon Square and Church Street on Saturday and more music acts at the Bandstand throughout the day as well.

Popular local group Lady Winwood’s Maggot will close the show, as has become tradition, on Sunday at 6.15pm.

Jon Parkes, one of the volunteer organisers said: “In its current guise the festival has been running for around 16 years.

“And it’s become increasingly popular over the years.

“We’ve put more into it, buying our own staging and increasing the size and the area of the site.

“It’s mainly local bands, which have built up their own following so we hope lots of people will turn out to support them.

“We’re obviously pretty weather-reliant so we’ve got our fingers crossed it will be fine.”

He added: “We want to encourage more families to come along and enjoy the music. It’s not a rock festival but a family event with something for everyone.”

There will be food and craft stalls and also a licensed bar at the Quay.

The event raises money for charities chosen by the Mayor of Christchurch.

This year they are the Parkinson’s Society Christchurch, Girl Guiding Twynham and Zoe’s Wish. Last year raised £4,000.

For more information go to christchurchfestival.co.uk