A REVAMPED music festival is due to kick off this weekend and the new organisers are hoping for a strong turnout from music lovers and newcomers alike.

Horwich Music Festival was hanging in the balance after being left without any organisers.

A brave team of ten volunteers, including local councillors and business owners, have since stepped forward, promising to resurrect the festival with a brand new look.

The festival will be bigger and better than ever according to organiser Rachel Hughes, who is busy making final preparations in the lead up to the opening day on Friday.

Ms Hughes said: "It's really exciting this year, it's bigger than it has been and it's really come together — we have all worked very hard."

There will be two venues this year, with acts performing at Horwich RMI and at the slightly smaller venue, Horwich Community Centre.

Ms Hughes has been in charge of the entertainment at the community centre.

She said: "The community centre is getting a massive range of different groups and singers.

"We have got everything from Americana country musicians to swing version of modern music — we're going to have Beyonce songs in a swing style!"

For the first time at the festival, there will also be a dedicated youth stage at the RMI featuring rock, indie, punk-rock, soul and acoustic performers.

Headliners include soulful singer-songwriter Lauren Housley, who already has two albums to her name, Bolton’s The Two Hats Blues Band, Nightcreatures and Corus Brass Ensemble.

Baritone John Ieuan Jones will also be showing why he has fans across the world and guitarist Paul Thornton will be playing an eclectic mix of songs in a variety of different styles.

Grab some food at the festival from local pasty maker Paul's Pasties, along with options from Carrs Pasties.The snacks can be paired with a glass of Prosecco to get the party started.

Ms Hughes added: "There is going to be a real family atmosphere, bring the children along and have a great time together enjoying acts you came to see or maybe discovering new musical interests.

"We are hoping it's going to be a fixture on the calendar for people in Horwich going forward."

There are plenty of ticket options to suit all festivalgoers, including a £10 weekend pass to the RMI, £8 per listed event for acts on at community centre, and £5 tickets for the festival closing party also at the RMI. Tickets are available via the website horwichmusicfestival.com or by calling 07731 862153.