ORGANISER Roger Woodall has revealed he is expecting record crowds at this weekend’s Bournemouth Sevens Festival – with around 20,000 people set to descend on the town.

Mr Woodall confirmed tickets for the sport and music event, which will be headlined by the Cuban Brothers, had been snapped up quicker than ever.

Now in its fourth year, the Daily Echo-backed festival will have a heightened focus on entertainment when it returns to Chapel Gate.

Mr Woodall said: “I think record numbers are definite this year.

“We have never sold tickets as fast as we are now. It is a great feeling after four years of hard work.”

Bournemouth-based businessman Mr Woodall says there is now a greater emphasis on the entertainment factor at the festival, as well as its traditional roots in rugby sevens and netball.

He added: “We have got 10 live bands, 10 DJs, six different arenas and a huge kids’ zone.

“We will also have a 24-metre television showing the Aviva Premiership final and the Champions League final on Saturday, and England against Barbarians on Sunday.

“But this isn’t about sport, it is about a festival with sport. The festival has taken over the sport.

“There are so many people coming down for the weekend, bringing their families and friends, to have a good laugh for a couple of days.

“The people make the festival. They travel from all around the country for this weekend and the great thing is that the people of Bournemouth are really getting behind it and supporting it.”

Meanwhile, festival-goers are being urged not to drive to Chapel Gate in a bid to avoid traffic problems.

For further information, visit bournemouthsevens.com. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.co.uk or bic.co.uk.