A MUSIC festival hanging in the balance has been saved.

Fears were sparked after the organisers of the Horwich Music Festival stepped down earlier this year.

A new committee formed to assess whether the festival had a future.

In response to a wave of support, chairman and The Crux Emporium owner Tom Benson has started booking acts, including a 'really well-known headliner'.

Mr Benson said: “There was no reason for it to collapse.

“The was 30 people who turned up to the first meeting from local charities and musicians to people who organise exhibitions.

“Where else would they get showcased?”

He added: “It’s not about the money, it’s about the music.”

The businessman said the renewed festival will be across a number of venues.

The community centre and the Horwich RMI will see acts take to the stage.

Fringe events will run in a number of local pubs and there will also be an area dedicated to children’s entertainment.

Mr Benson is aiming for around 1000 people to visit the festival.

The event will be 'family orientated', but he is particularly focusing on attracting young people too.

He hopes moving the event to the Summer and weekend passes will make the festival more popular.

He said: "It's going to be more accessible.

"Children 12 and under will be free with adults."

Mr Benson said the running of his bar gives him the experience necessary: “I know first-hand about bringing people to Horwich for tourism.”