YOUNG dancers from all over the south of England will be converging on Bournemouth next weekend as the 2004 Bournemouth Music Competitions gets under way.

As usual the festival - a mainstay of the town's cultural calendar for nearly 80 years - begins with a series of dance competitions.

And from Saturday May 29 until Friday, June 4, Summerbee School in Mallard Road will be the focus of intense competition under the watchful eyes of expert judges.

With competitors taking part in a series of classes that cover everything from the first tentative steps of tiny beginners to slick, colourful ensembles who could fit seamlessly into any number of West End shows, there is something for everyone.

There are beautiful costumes and performing styles that range from tap, song and dance and jazz through Greek to modern and classical.

It's great entertainment and, what many people fail to realise, it is actually open to the public. What's more it couldn't be more conveniently sited - just across the road from the Castlepoint shopping complex.

Whether you are an expert or just enjoy watching dance you can join in the fun of trying to pick the winners and comparing your opinions with those of the professional adjudicators.

Among the regulars is 82-year-old Daphne Baxter who first started coming in 1990 to support Ruth, her granddaughter.

Ruth is now training in London, but Daphne enjoys the event so much that her small, neat figure is still regularly seen in the front row supporting a new generation of dancers.

Refreshments are available and you can stay all day for just £2 (only £1 concessions).

Programmes are available from the Tourism Information Centre in Westover Road or you can ring the Festival Office on 01202 556023 for further details.