Landlord Peter Slinger said he is putting on the August Bank Holiday weekend (26-30 August) festival as he was "driven by a love for music, for real ale and for the desire to raise funds for a special cause".

He added: "Recently one of my greatest friends was struck down by a stroke. Big, friendly, affable Neil was reduced to a shambling wreck who could just about manage to say "Yes" or "No" and it broke my heart.

"His son Tom (my Godson) wants to find ways of raising funds for research into the causes of and cures for strokes and has allied himself to The Stroke Association. I have invited them to participate in the weekend."

The restaurant will be turned into a 'beer palace', with a dozen real ales sold straight from the barrel, along with a range of traditional ciders and perrys.

The pub's car park will be turned into a tented village, and live music will play throughout the day and evening.

There will be a bouncy castle to keep the kids entertained along with a barbecue/pig roast. Car parking will be in an adjacent field.

Tickets for the beer hall will cost £5.00 to include a festival glass and a half of beer, with £1.00 per ticket going to The Stroke Association.

Peter said the charity are also being invited to hold fund-raising events throughout the weekend.

The event starts on Friday evening with local favourite The Little Big Band, and a full list of bands who will be performing (including Mike and the Meercats and Blues Out) will be announced soon.

Peter added: "We would be interested to hear from any musicians who would like to perform live in the daytime in exchange for a beer or two and the glow of satisfaction in knowing that they are helping a good cause."

Volunteers are needed to help at the event. For further information call (01424) 892462.