Organisers of a Dorset music festival will honour two of their friends who passed away in a touching tribute.

The Barnstomper Festival, which takes place at the Cerne Abbas Brewery yard in the shadow of the famous giant, makes its return this weekend.

This year organisers have decided to commemorate two of their friends who passed away recently by naming the main stages after them.

Will Beavis, who passed away recently, used to work at the festivalsWill Beavis, who passed away recently, used to work at the festivals (Image: Barnstomper)

The main stage - the Will B stage - is named after local resident Will Beavis who passed away last month.

Organiser Lamma Maund said: “Will was a good friend and he used to work behind the bar for us.

"He was always willing to be part of the team and we miss his cheeky smile. Sadly he passed away when he was out swimming in Weymouth so we have called the main stage after him.”

Tony Benoy, who passed away recently, was a friend to the organisersTony Benoy, who passed away recently, was a friend to the organisers (Image: Barnstomper)

The 'Tony B stage' is named after local resident Tony Benoy, who also passed away recently.

Mr Maund said: “Tony was an avid supporter of all things music across the county and was a familiar face at the previous festivals.

“Raise a glass over the weekend whilst watching your favourite band on either the Will B stage or the Tony B stage in their memory.”

Flogging Molly headlined the show on Thursday as part of their UK and USA tour that will see them also play in Birmingham, Belfast, Milwaukee and Sacramento.

EMF will be headlining today's (Friday's) festivities on the main stage, with performances from the Skimmity Hitchers, Monkey Bizzle, Concrete Prairie, Jack Francis, Desperate Measures and the Dooks.

The festival takes place at the Cerne Abbas BreweryThe festival takes place at the Cerne Abbas Brewery (Image: Ant Penny Photography)

On Saturday, Pet Needs will be headlining at the festival, with performances planned from the Gaz Brookfield Band, Frozemode, iDestroy, Madame Mutante, Mexican Dave and Trav Cats.

Mr Maund said: “We have such a fantastic line-up this year featuring local talent such as Pronghorn all the way through to Company of Thieves - an all girl punk band.

“Keep an eye on Monkey Bizzle on Saturday, whilst there will also be DJ sets going on to the early hours. It will definitely be a full on and extensive weekend of music.”

Tickets for the festival are still available to purchase, and can be bought online from www.barnstomper.co.uk.