THOUSANDS of people are expected to visit the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, which starts later this month.

THOUSANDS of people are expected to visit the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, which starts later this month.

The annual event runs from Thursday, April 29, to Sunday, May 2 and is part of the Lyme Regis Development Trust's aim to create a classroom on the beach.

The Trust is running a number of courses with the Natural History Museum and Field Studies Council.

Festival director Kimberley Clarke said: "We are delighted with the incredible support that we've had from all our partners, who really enjoy the festival and are all keen to return.

"The Fossil Festival is recognised as a landmark event that contributes to an appreciation and understanding of our extraordinary Jurassic Coast, and helps to keep Lyme Regis and Charmouth on the global map."

The event will include marquees on the beach from Lyme Regis Museum, The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, and a Jurassic garden loaned from Abbotsbury.

The Natural History Museum, Natural England The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site team, The National Oceanography Centre and the Dinosaur Runway will be back and providing activities.

There will also be other entertainment, including performances from BSharp.