A seaside festival is to be headlined by well-known band Toploader.

The festival, taking place September 2, is in memory of Henry Searle and William Paddy, two local young boys who tragically passed away.

Front man Joe Washburn has said he “can’t wait” to headline Music by the Sea to help raise awareness and funds for charities #Willdoes and Cancare both of whom support the wellbeing of young people.

He added: “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 over 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 around 2,000 people.

But Toploader isn’t the only attraction at the day-long festival which is 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 over 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 Pig 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 : said in a joint statement: “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 Swanage, 11am to 9pm on September 2nd (no entry after 6pm). Local food stalls and a bar will be open.