IT’S time to get into the groove on the green again as Poole’s longest-running community festival kicks off at Ashley Cross in Poole tomorrow.

Grooves on the Green was launched in 2000 to provide a focal point for local residents and businesses. Following a year’s hiatus in 2018, the weekend festival was brought back due to popular demand.

“The community made it very clear to us how much Grooves was missed last year so bringing it back was an easy decision to make,” says event creator Jan Crump. “This is where Ashley Cross comes together to relax, have fun and celebrate the community spirit that it’s famous for. This is a brilliant, vibrant area, but with a relaxed vibe that young families love just as much as those who have lived here a great deal longer.”

The two-day, family-friendly gathering features live music on two stages with loads of other attractions including top quality local food and drink; Kidzone with face painting, magicians and inflatables; a Nerf battle arena; clothing and craft stalls and even a music therapy centre.

This year a new real ale and cider tent will showcase the best of the area’s craft breweries and local makers in addition to the main Bricklayers Bar. There’s also a Gin Bar with classic summer drinks on the menu in the Groove Garden supported by Groom On The Green Interiors with a seated area and private bathroom facilities.

The food choice is wider than ever with local gourmet burgers from Smokeys and incredible South African dishes from Zim Braai, along with the Bermuda Triangle’s fish and chip van – all based in Ashley Cross – as well as quality hog roast, Bratwurst, wood-fired pizza, cakes, ice cream and sweets.

“Grooves on the Green is a great day out for all the family with the best of the South’s amazing live music acts on two stages,” says Jan. “We want everyone to enjoy the best of Ashley Cross and that’s why we finish early in the evening so Groovers can experience what else is on offer here.”

Saturday’s music bill is topped by local artist Jack Grace and compered by Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Allan Turner-Ward. The main stage also features former BGT star Si Genaro, Quayside, Soul Creek and the soulful reggae sound of Rujiero and the Urban Collective. Sunday includes DD Allen headlining with Mother Ukers, the Emma Hardy Band, Marble Tides and blues rockers Barefoot Soul. For more details, see groovesonthegreen.co.uk

The second stage features a host of local acoustic talent including the likes of Matt Griffiths, Lee Rasdall-Dove, Marco di Gaetano, Yami Yazeed and Laura Hemming.

For more event information, visit groovesonthegreen.co.uk.