VILLAGERS in Blackwell are getting on their dancing shoes ready to host their first music festival, to be held in the wooded grounds of Cropwood House on Saturday, September 3.

Local artists and renowned festival bands will be playing during the afternoon and evening at the venue, part of the Hunters Hill complex in Spirehouse Road.

The doors will open at 11am and the evening will draw to a close at 9pm with headline act "Definitely Britpop", which will play 1990s classics.

Bill Heneghan, one of the organisers, said: "The not for profit event has been organised by a group of volunteers from the village and follows on from the hugely successful Summer Festival event, which has been held for the past five years.

"The music festival is a bit different - but we are sure that everyone will enjoy it.

"We have some great bands booked, barbecue, bouncy castle and a licensed bar."

Among other acts playing will be Arcadia Roots, a seven-piece band specialising in dance, soul and dub music, the duos Imaner and The Peas.

Tickets are available in advance from Blackwell Village Store at a discounted price of £10 for adults, £5 for under 16s and free for under fives.

Mr Henneghan said tickets were in demand so recommended people to book ahead.

He added: "The first Glastonbury festival started in a field 40 years ago with a little known band called T-Rex and a ticket price of £1 - so we can perhaps dream of future greatness."