Music by the Sea - well almost by the sea - returns to Aldeburgh today.

East Anglian Daily Times: Albion Mills Picture: CONTRIBUTEDAlbion Mills Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Contributed)

Gates to the King’s Field open at 3pm, with music from local and national acts starting from 4pm alongside children’s entertainment and a firework finale. Prosecco, Pimm’s and beer marquees plus a BBQ and local food outlets keep you on your feet dancing late into the night.

Performers include ELO Encounter, Kinisha as Tina Turner, Albion Mills playing rock and pop from the 1960s and 1970s, Everly Everly; Words and Music duo Graham and Steven Dye with songs from the 1960s, the Phil Jackson Rock ‘n’ Roll Band, JS and The Lockerbillies and Paula Swann Sully pays tribute to Paloma Faith.

We spoke to organiser Peter Osborne.

Q: The event relocated to Thorpeness for two years; why return to Aldeburgh?

East Anglian Daily Times: The Phil Jackson Rock 'n' Roll Band Picture: EMILY TYLER PHOTOGRAPHERThe Phil Jackson Rock 'n' Roll Band Picture: EMILY TYLER PHOTOGRAPHER (Image: EMILY TYLER PHOTOGRAPHER)

The event at Thorpefest was a different proposition, it was more of an all-day festival with mostly unsigned bands and artists from Suffolk. This is a concert with more cover bands. We were very fortunate we were able to open up talks with the local authorities about returning to Aldeburgh, as over the last two years it has been missed greatly by the locals and further afield in East Anglia.

Q: You must be excited about it coming home, albeit inland rather than on the seafront?

Very much so. The festival has been made even greater with local businesses right behind the event, so it can be made a free concert to raise as much as we can for local charities from the spectators. The switch [from the seafront] was really to allow us to control the area in terms of people attending the event, it also feels right in the King’s Field as it’s more of a local event.

Q: You’ve some great acts again this year?

East Anglian Daily Times: The ELO Encounter Picture: CONTRIBUTEDThe ELO Encounter Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Archant)

Yes. I’m looking forward to seeing the return of JS and The Lockerbillies and my personal favourite will be The ELO Encounter, who have a great finale lined up; not to be missed.

Q: This year’s charity is Inspire Suffolk, who help young people overcome challenges they are facing and onto a positive future in employment or further training through personal development programmes and activities?

I’m a business patron for the charity and have worked with them to help raise funds and their profile in the area. They do great work, have held summer camps here in Aldeburgh and support the Princes Trust and other initiatives here on the Suffolk coast. Aldeburgh Hospital League of Friends, who are raising money for a sensory garden, will also benefit.

Q: Why should people come?

Music by the Sea is a free event and a fun day out with several local acts and bands, a great family atmosphere and spectacular firework finale. People of all ages can have a fantastic time while raising funds for local charities. We look forward to growing the event for future years.

Online tickets have sold out, but a limited number will be available at the gate on the day. If King’s Field reaches capacity, would-be festival goers will be kept tup to date via radio, Twitter @MusicBy_TheSea, Facebook and www.musicbythesea.co.uk

Music by the Sea is sponsored by Suffolk Secrets, TA Hotel Collection, East of England Co-Op, Direct Seafoods, MS Oakes, Aldeburgh Fish and Chips and Max Last Containers.