Excitement is building for this coming Bank Holiday weekend, with famous names travelling to Midsomer Norton as part of Outfield Festival.

East 17 and Toploader will be performing at the event, which sees live music from well-known artists return to Midsomer Norton Cricket Club’s ground; with acts in the past including The Wurzels, Suzi Quatro and Chas Hodges.

Whilst some local events have been battling the elements over the past week or so, the weather looks set to be perfect for festival-goers this Sunday. Opening Outfield at 1.30 p.m. will be Glastonbury Festival founder, Michael Eavis, followed by a set from the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Brass Academy Band.

Mixed in with the local talent, NuDisco band, Patawawa, will warm up the crowd and have everyone dancing to their funk, soul and disco tunes.

What’s more, headline support includes brilliant local bands, Avalon Highway, Verdisa, Centrefolds, and local singer/songwriter, Keith Horler.

The event is being organised by a dedicated group of volunteers from the Cricket Club, who wanted to bring live music back to the town on a big scale, and help raise essential funds for the ever-expanding club, which has a massive membership and a rise in Women’s and Youth Cricket. The club has a long history with the town, having been founded in 1878, and organisers of this event hope that it will put the club firmly back on the map as an events venue for local families.

Matthew Dando, the Club’s Social Chair, is joined by Tom Webb, Mark Harris, Chris Dando, Kev Messenger, Keith Anderson and Phil Matthews, who have all been juggling work and life to make sure the festival is one the town will not forget. Speaking to The Journal, Matthew said: “The local area has been crying out for an event where we can bring well-known bands into Midsomer Norton and be able to go to a gig on foot, rather than having to travel to Bath, Bristol, or further.

“From the music days that the club had put on ten years ago, we thought, let’s do it again – but take it to the next level.”

The plan is to then reinvest some of the profits made to organise a bigger and better festival, year on year.

Who knows who could be performing in Midsomer Norton in 2020?

Organisers say they are holding back an allocation of tickets for both adults and under-14s, the latter of which go free. However, it is advised to arrive early, as these numbers will depend on sales during this week, and there may not be many left.

So, get your sun hat on, pack a picnic and enjoy what the festival has to offer. The event is family friendly – children will be able to purchase a craft wristband for £5 once inside the festival, giving five hours of unlimited fun crafts in the Creation Station tent. Hayley’s Braids will be bringing the festival feel, with glitter and face paints. And there will be some great food on offer, too, with local food vendors, I Scream Tacos, The Cowshed Bristol, The Roaming Deli, Pizza Adorare, and Dan’s Ices all coming along.

Local charity, Time is Precious, will also be at the event with their volunteers, so make sure you say hello and support this amazing charity that does so much for local children and their families.

Organisers have asked people not to bring glass or alcohol on site, as their licence does not allow this. Please leave these items at home, to help bag checks be carried out quickly, and to avoid large queues on the gate.

For more information, visit: www.outfieldfestival.co.uk