15,000 PEOPLE are expected to descend on Poole later this month for the Poole Harbour Festival.

Set up ten years ago, the festival will welcome big names such as UB40, Feeder, Happy Mondays and The Hoosiers to Baiter Park on July 25 to 27.

The homegrown music festival is described as having a “mini Glastonbury on your doorstep – but within sight of the sea” by festival organiser Serena Wren.

60 chart toppers and heart stoppers will perform across five stages this year – a record for the festival – cementing it as one of the south’s busiest summer music festivals.

“People come here from near and far because they know a good time is guaranteed, there’s a really warm welcome and the site is incredible,” said Serena.

The bill also features US art rockers We Are Scientists, British dance mainstays Dub Pistols and a very welcome return to Poole Harbour Festival for chart toppers N-Trance, not to mention Europe’s number one party band, The Vengaboys.

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Clubbing pioneers such as Judge Jules, Dave Pearce and PHF regular Brandon Block headline the dance bill with rising star Woody Cook, son of Fatboy Slim and Zoe Ball, the mega-selling DJ Sash!, ground-breaking trance act Thrillseekers and hard house duo Tidy Boys. T

There’s even a set from renowned Fatboy Slim tribute act Fatboy Tim, the original Rockerfella Prankster fully endorsed by none other than Norman Cook himself.

Happy Mondays Picture: Paul Husband

“Our aim is for everyone to have a great time and I think that – with the price conscious ticketing policy – is helping cement a reputation as a quality festival with brilliant music, good infrastructure and fun for all the family at a sensible price,” Serena added.

The big names make headlines, but Poole Harbour Festival has always celebrated local creativity.

Once again, there’s a stellar line-up of live music talent from the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole region on the Big Top Stage and the new fifth stage, the Smugglers Inn, with the ever-popular Mother Ukers on show alongside fans’ favourites like Mischa & the Merry Many, guitar virtuoso Chris Payn, Sixteen String Jack, Lady Winwood’s Maggot and Saints of Sin; as well as top tributes to the likes of Queen, Elton John, Abba and The Prodigy.

Add to that the festival’s famous family-friendly atmosphere – there are daily kids’ entertainers, walkabout performances, circus skills workshops and activities – as well as a pocket-friendly pricing structure and Poole Harbour Festival delivers all the ingredients to kickstart a fabulous summer by the sea.

“The music content is at the heart of everything we do,” Serena said.

“But it’s just as important to us to remember the hundreds of families who come to us for top-quality free children’s entertainment – and lots of it – in a safe and secure environment.

“Having an all-ages audience is what makes Poole Harbour Festival as special as it is.”

Tickets available now at www.pooleharbourfestival.com.