THE organisers of this year's Brightlingsea Free Music Festival have programmed an incredible line-up for their 17th year.

Two of the biggest bands in Colchester, New Town Kings and Animal Noise, will be appearing at the event as well as a whole host of well known names and up and coming outfits.

Bearing in mind the packed summer festival schedules of both the Kings and Animal Noise, to get them on the same bill is a huge feather in the cap for the festival committee, whose tireless work to secure sponsors and raise the near £20,000 needed, makes sure the free event happens each year.

Now entirely located on Hurst Green, as in previous years the festival starts tonight, August 4, with its regular jazz night from 7pm to 9pm with the

Elmer Van Der Hoek? Ensemble and the Good Times Jazz Band.

As well as New Town Kings and Animal Noise, Saturday's main event running from 12.15pm to 8pm will also see sets by Clacton band Surge and country singer Nicole Silva, Colchester three-piece Rubber Jaw and alt rock group, Queensburys from Grays.

Rounding off the weekend on the Sunday from 12pm to 6.30pm, the music slows down a pace with a mixture of acoustic, pop and swing courtesy of Polly Haynes, CakeStupid and The Sweeting Swing Band.

For more information go to www.brightlingseafreefest.com

Saturday Line-Up

12.15pm to 12.45pm

When Rivers Meet

1pm to 1.35pm

Rubber Jaw

1.50pm to 2.25pm

A Bribe For The Ferryman

2.40pm to 3.10pm

Queensburys

3.25pm to 4pm

Nicole Silva

4.15pm to 5pm

Surge

5.15pm to 6pm

Mississippi MacDonald and the Cottonmouth Kings

6.15pm to 7pm

Animal Noise

7.15pm to 8pm

New Town Kings