A FAMILY-friendly music festival is returning this summer - the first time it will be held since 2019 due to the pandemic.

Chesil Rocks supporting Samaritans of Dorset takes place at the home of Hilary and Tim Warren at Higher Farmhouse, Langton Herring.

It has built a reputation as a fun family-friendly event with quality music as well as a huge fundraiser for the local Samaritans branch. It has raised around £70,000 for the cause since 2012.

This year Chesil Rocks will be held over three days, with a Comedy Night on Thursday, June 16 in the village hall, an evening of classical music and opera on Friday, June 17 and the main event on Saturday, June 18.

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An amazing line-up has once again been secured and with local comedian Tom Glover compering the Thursday comedy evening (suitable for adults only), doors will open at 7.30pm and there will be a bar.

For the Friday evening of classical music and opera, concert pianist Duncan Honeybourne will be performing, as will the Dorset String Quartet and opera singer Stella Brading. Gates open at 6pm and those attending are invited to dress accordingly and will be given a glass of Prosecco on arrival and in the interval, a light supper from sponsors Wagamama.

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For Saturday’s event, organisers are excited to announce that Tankus the Henge will be headlining. Other headlining acts will also be welcomed back including The Leylines, Sarah de Warren, and the London Gay Men’s Chorus. Other acts include N.U.M.B. (Never Underestimate Musical Belief), Hustle, Stealing Whiskey, the Bridport Big Band, the Dorset Wrecks, Wessex Musical Theatre, the Portesham Ukulele Band and for their first performance, the newly formed Venn Collective. With gates opening at 12pm, the event will end at midnight.

There will be activities for children, including face painting, a treasure hunt, kids yoga, magicians, a play area and storytelling. Food outlets include the Brace of Butchers, the Dorset Wood Fired Pizza Company and the Bradford Curry House.

There will be a bar selling real ale and cider fresh from the barrel, the rum shop will be selling cocktails, wines and other drinks, and there will be a Prosecco bar.

Organisers are looking for people to donate their time and expertise as face painters, or walking magicians and are also looking for donations of raffle and tombola prizes. Those able to assist are asked to contact organisers at chesilrocks@gmail.com

Chesil Rocks has sold out in previous years, so it is recommended that people purchase their tickets in advance through the website: http://www.chesilrocks.com