A NEW music festival entitled Party in the Park is coming to Hedge End.

It is being billed by organisers as the biggest music event to be held in the town.

Taking place at Greta Park off Upper Northam Road in the centre of Hedge End, the aim is to attract a mixture of bands from the national and local scene.

The line-up has yet to be announced, but the organisers have already booked a special show on Friday, June 1 to whet the appetite.

Tribute act The Bog Rolling Stones will be taking to the stage at Hedge End Social Club. Tickets cost £8 and can be booked by calling 01489 789749.

As for the festival itself, it is due to be a one-day event running from 12-noon to 10pm on Saturday, July 21.

It is the brainchild of Ken Deacon and David Gates from Hedge End. The latter is best known for his background in the radio and music world.

He founded Hedge End’s only community radio station in 2005 and also appears regularly on stage at the summer carnival and fireworks display held by the Carnival Committee.

He said: “The idea is to create a mini festival atmosphere. We may not be as big as Reading or The Isle of Wight yet, but we see this as the first of many and look forward to it growing each year.”

He added: “Kenny first put the idea to me a couple of years ago; he is a keen supporter of involving young people in sport and wanted to expand this into music so that’s how the idea came about.”

Kenny runs a window cleaning service and coaches young footballers, having recently returned to Hedge End Rangers after a spell at Sholing.

Any bands interested in taking part, or stallholders who would like to get involved, can contact the organisers on 01489 789749.