SOUTHAMPTON gets swinging this weekend with the annual Festival of Live Music.

The festival, which is organised by the Southampton branch of the Musicians' Union in conjunction with Southampton City Council, features performances in a wide variety of musical styles, from jazz through mambo to folk and funk.

Saturday's line-up includes Tequila, who specialise in Sixties and Seventies funk, folk singers Richard Crane and the Bundell Brothers, Mambo Jambo (pictured), the Chris Walker Swingtet and Odessa, who supported Westlife on their tour last year.

The most unusual performer to take to the stage throughout the weekend must be Suzanne Bevis, who plays everything from Bach to The Beatles on the harp.

Joining her for the Sunday line-up are La Musette, who specialise in continental jazz, Solent Stage Band, Mr Grooove, with his brand of Seventies funk, sixties tribute band Hard Drive and more jazz from New Gateway Jazz Band and Jazz Giantes.

Admission to the festival is free. The music strikes up at midday, continuing into the early evening on both days.

SALLY CHURCHWARD