The countdown is on for a popular family-friendly music festival.

Teddy Rocks Festival is once again returning to Charisworth Farm near Blandford from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5 in aid of various charities including Young Lives vs Cancer.

More than 100 acts will perform across the weekend over eight stages including Atomic Kitten, Liberty X, and Five - as well as renowned cover bands such as Guns 2 Roses, Q2: The Very Best of Queen, Foo Forgers, and The Ed Sheeran Experience.

Barry from Eastenders (Shaun Williamson) will also be there with a special ‘Barrioke’ performance as well as Dick and Dom and other family entertainment.

Teddy Rocks was set up by Tom Newton in memory of his younger brother Ted who was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, Ewing Sarcoma, and sadly passed away in 2010, aged just ten years old.

Since being set up in 2011, the event has raised more than £500,000 for charity.

Tom Newton, Festival Founder and Director said: “Whilst Ted received his treatment in Southampton General Hospital, we received support from the Young Lives vs Cancer (then known as CLIC Sargent) social worker and all stayed at the charity’s ‘Home from Home.’

“The impossible time was made possible. You could go back to the house for a bit of sanctuary and feel of normality. Ted liked going there and we enjoyed playing x-box there together. Young Lives vs Cancer made such a difference to me and my family.

“Thanks to everyone involved with the Teddy Rocks Festival, we can provide support to Teddy20, and other partner cancer charities including Young Lives vs Cancer, Bone Cancer Research Trust and George’s Rockstars. For all of us involved in organising Teddy Rocks Festival, to have raised over £500,000 to help other families affected by childhood cancer, really means a great deal.”

Last year’s festival was a tremendous success, raising almost £86,000.

Liz Blunt, Senior Fundraising Engagement Manager for Young Lives vs Cancer (Dorset) said: “It’s hard to imagine how difficult it must be to lose a child at such a young age. Teddy Rocks Festival and the family charity Teddy20 have helped so many children and young people with cancer in Ted’s name. A huge thank you to Tom, his family and all involved for their kindness.”

Hall and Woodhouse brewery are the main sponsors of this year’s event and will operate all seven bars at the festival including ‘The Royal Ted’, a pub-like experiential bar.

Ben Holden, Regional Manager at Hall & Woodhouse said: “Teddy Rocks is a highlight in the calendar for our team and is a moment to demonstrate our core values of making people’s day. It encompasses everything at the core of Hall & Woodhouse’s approach to supporting local communities and good causes. We’re looking forward to another weekend full of quality entertainment and superb hospitality.

“We’re proud to see that many of our team at Hall & Woodhouse, alongside family and friends, will be volunteering their time during the festival weekend, to deliver the brilliant service that our guests receive at each of our pubs across the south. Not only is it a brilliant and memorable event, it’s also a great opportunity to raise money for good causes, last year we donated, including sponsorship, nearly £140,000 and we are going to try and beat that this year.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.teddyrocks.co.uk