It's home to Jonathan Ross and recently hosted the Antiques Road Show, but now the quaint seaside town of Swanage in Dorset is preparing to host one of the UK's most famous English bands – Toploader.

Front man Joe Washburn has said he "can't wait" to headline Music by the Sea in Swanage, to help raise awareness and funds for charities #Willdoes and Cancare, both of which support the wellbeing of young people.

The festival, taking place September on 2, will be held in memory of Henry Searle and William Paddy, two local young boys who tragically died.

Washburn said: "We are really looking forward to playing at Dorset's Music by the Sea Festival in Swanage. It's such a fantastic festival with a great, family vibe and incredible food and drink stalls.

"We love the festivals where there's more than a hot dog stand and it's more about the whole ambience - the crowd really gets behind you.

"If you have never been to this before, come along – you won't be disappointed."

The audience can expect to hear some of the pop rock band's crowd-pleasing hits, including its billion downloaded worldwide hit 'Dancing in The Moonlight', now more than 23 years old, as well as its more recent material and a few surprises too.

Formed in 1997 with several top 20 hits and performances at big events including the FIFA World Cup Final in Qatar in 2022, Toploader is expected to pull in the festival's largest ever crowd of about 2,000 people.

But Toploader isn't the only attraction at the day-long festival, now in its third year and gathering a huge fan base attracting crowds far and wide.

Local indie rock band Galaxy Thief will be the support act and remains an ever-constant feature since the festival began. Hits include 'Timewaster' with more than a million plays on Spotify and YouTube since it was released last year, featuring new front man and co-writer Rhys Messenger.

Food and drink stalls will include Mermaid Gin (The Isle of Wight Distillery), The Salt Pigg Too (showcasing mouthwatering produce from the Purbeck region), Purbeck Cider (handcrafted ciders using 100% single pressed local apples) and award-winning Purbeck Ice Cream (60% Purbeck milk and 22% Dorset cream).

Founder of #Willdoes and mum of Will, Lesley Paddy, and Vicki Searles, mum of Henry, enthused: "Both charities are thrilled to have such a prestigious band headline at the festival and support such great causes. We really think this will be the year that brings in a great crowd and puts Swanage on the festival map!"

Music by the Sea takes place at Prince Albert Gardens in Swanage, from 11am to 9pm on September 2 (no entry after 6pm). Local food stalls and a bar will be open.

Entry costs £15 for adults living in BH19/20 post code and £20 for all other adults, and is free for children under 14.

Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Music by the Sea, Swanage.