BUMPER crowds are expected to flock to the seaside for the 24th Swanage Jazz Festival, which gets underway today.

There will be nearly 50 sessions on offer for jazz fans with performances across the weekend from the likes of the Sarah Gillespie Band, the Liane Carroll Trio, Scenes in the City and Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band, with special guest Pauline Pearce.

Music will run from 7pm until 11pm tonight, 11am to 11pm tomorrow and 10am until 11pm on Sunday.

Venues this year include two marquees on Sandpit Field, the Methodist Church in the High Street, and the Conservative Club in Kings Road East.

There are also a number of free venues at the seafront, Prince Albert Gardens, The Red Lion pub, The White Swan, the stone quay and the British Legion.

The three-day festival runs until Sunday.

Visit swanagejazz.org for full details.