AN ANNUAL music festival has said increasing the price of its wristband admission price is the "only way" it can continue.

The Swanage Blues Festival says that "due to rapidly rising costs" its popular weekend wristband price will rise to £15 having been set as £10 for a decade.

According to organisers, the decision was taken to facilitate the continuation of the festival in its current format without having to introduce ticket prices on the door of each venue.

This year's Swanage Blues Festival, held from October 6 to 9, will be the 36th time scores of blues musicians will come together to perform in various pubs as well as holiday parks and golf clubs in the area.

Festival founder and organiser Steve Darrington said: "We hope that you will support us in our endeavours to continue the festival as it has been for over 20 years.

"The only way to continue the Swanage Blues Festival in its current format is to implement a small increase to our wristband price.

"We can't wait for the next festival this October and we hope you will all continue to support us."

Visit swanage-blues.org for more information.