RIVINGTON Music Festival has been given the green light to go ahead.

The three-day event will go ahead as planned from July 16 -18 with iconic rock bands Toploader and Republica headlining the festival set in the stunning surrounding of Rivington Terraced Gardens.

Organisers say they faced a difficult decision after the Government pushed back "freedom day" but have put in extra Covid-secure measures to allow the event to happen.

Projects manager at Rivington Terraced Gardens, Andrew Suter, said: “It’s been a week of huge ups and downs. We contemplated cancelling very seriously but having worked though our options, we are confident we can deliver a fantastic festival that is Covid safe, albeit with reduced numbers.

“This past 12 months has been such a challenging time for our fundraising, as it has for all charities, but this event is the biggest opportunity we have this year to raise much-needed funds for the upkeep of the gardens. For it to be allowed to proceed is a godsend for our fundraising efforts.

“There has been a huge rush for early tickets and now that we are confident we can deliver a Covid safe event, we anticipate the remaining tickets selling out quickly. To reassure our festival goers, we will be putting up an FAQ advice section on our website detailing the precise Covid safety measures we will have in place and we ask them to abide by these. We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying alfresco music once more!”

(Rivington Terraced Gardens by Richard Lawson of Bolton)

Also set to perform during the festival are Mark Radcliffe, Bez and Clint Boon during a Friday 'legends' set.

The festival will raise vital funds for the beautiful terraced gardens, which are preserved on a charity basis by Rivington Heritage Trust and an army of volunteers.

Mark, broadcaster, writer, musician and patron of Rivington Terraced Gardens, says: “Summer wouldn’t be summer without festivals. It’s fantastic news that the Rivington Music Festival can go ahead. We’re confident that it’ll raise a good portion of the funds needed to keep up the good work of the volunteers in maintaining the glory of this unique corner of Britain.”

Rivington Music Festival was previously held in 2018 and 2019 as a one-day event.

(2019 Rivington Music Festival. Picture Phil Taylor)

The programme is: A Friday Legends Night from 7pm on July 16 featuring Mark Radcliffe, Bez from the Happy Mondays, Clint Boon from Inspiral Carpets and XS Manchester, and local DJ John William Leather.

The Saturday line-up from 1:00pm – 10:30pm, features: Republica, Red Electrick, Good Foxy, Driftwood, Jeremiah Ferrari, Joe McAdam, Pete McDonna and Be My Band. From Sunday 1:00pm – 10:30pm, Toploader, Design Rewind, Magari, TVOD, Ellysse Mason, Taylor Paisley-French, Casper Mason and Marc Winstanley will be on stage.

Adult tickets are available from £14, child tickets from £6, weekend tickets are also on sale.

To book tickets visit www.rivingtonterracedgardens.org.uk