THIS year’s Brownshill Music Festival takes place on Saturday from 1pm.

Now in its eighth year, the festival started life in the front garden of Brownshill musician Bob Porter, who invited friends and neighbours to bring picnics, chairs (and umbrellas) and enjoy listening to music while helping raise funds for the Acorns Children's Hospice.

Little did Bob imagine how his fundraising efforts would take off. Eight years later he and his fellow musicians have raised nearly £10,000 for the charity and the Brownshill Music Festival has earnt itself a well-deserved reputation in the local calendar.

Now held in The Barn at Vine Farm, this year's event will feature more than 20 artists ranging from acoustic folk, to blues and bluegrass. The first part of the festival features young musicians, while acts who will take to the stage later in the day include Appalicia, Folklaw, Nicola Clarke, Paul Venables and the Peeky Blinders.

"This is always an amazing day," says Bob. "There is so much goodwill with everyone getting involved, not just the musicians but local residents and others from further afield who come along to listen. It's a lovely family occasion and the fact that it's all held in aid of a wonderful children’s charity makes that even more important."

Entrance is free, but donations to Acorns Children’s Hospice are encouraged throughout the event, and there will also be a range of refreshments on sale - including beer from Stroud Brewery, wine from Raffles, plus curry and ice cream stands and a barbecue - from which all proceeds will also go to the charity.

The first musicians will be on stage at 1pm and the festival will run on into the evening.

Come along and join the fun at The Barn, Vine Farm, Brownshill, Stroud GL6 8SW. For more information email bobporter46@tiscali.co.uk