A WORLD of sound will fill the air as Lyme Regis prepares for the third annual Big Mix youth music festival this weekend.

This year's line-up promises everything from West African dance rhythms and beatboxing to indie power pop and opera.

The festival will take place in an open air arena outside the Marine Theatre on Saturday (4) and is promoted by youth music charity B Sharp.

Co-producer Pete Wild, said: "This year's Big Mix is going to be something quite different.

"The music is really diverse and along with a wider range of workshops and other activities, as well as amazing festival food, there will be something for everyone of all ages."

The Big Mix will place the spotlight on youth enterprise opportunity - with a range of activities including skating and biking events on offer, along with a 'crafter-noon' area run by young artists that will include a hooping workshop, table making and hair braiding.

The man focus of the hugely popular festival is a showcase of the most exciting and vibrant young musical acts from the region and further afield.

Co-headliners KOG and the Zongo Brigade were voted runners up at Glastonbury Festival's emerging talent contest last year, securing a slot at this year's festival.

West Dorset outfit, The RPMS are thrilled to be returning to the Big Mix Festival following supporting The BEat on tour, and a slot at this year's pre-Glastonbury Pilton Party.

Singer Jack Valero, who is from Bridport, said: "We're really looking forward to playing for B Sharp again.

"We really had so much fun when we played for them before and they were very supportive in those first few days of us starting out as a band. The Big Mix just keeps getting bigger every year.

"It's really great because it's pretty much the only music festival for aspiring musicians in the Dorset area to perform at."

Other musical highlights include Bridport singer songwriter and B Sharp young music leader Ella Squirrell, Weymouth-based grime artists SouthDub and Plymouth pop jazzers Joanna Clark and Nathan Austin.

B Sharp director Fran Williams, said: “The Big Mix is also a fantastic showcase for music created at B Sharp’s weekly Hub Jam sessions.

"Alumni come back to work with us and young people can use the event to gain experience in the industry working alongside a highly professional production team providing invaluable experience and potential career pathways for young musicians technicians, artists and event organisers.”

The Big Mix runs from 1pm to 11pm. For more information, please call Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre on 01297 442138.