ORGANISERS are “excited” for the return of rock music and charity festival Teddy Rocks, after a three-year Covid-19 hiatus.

The Wurzels, The Fratellis and Eagles of Death Metal are just some of the bands lined up for this weekend’s event, taking place in Charisworth Farm in Blandford, from tomorrow until Sunday, April 29 to May 1.

Just one day away from the start of the big event, organiser Tom Newton, who lives in Salisbury, said: “It feels great to be back.

"Being at this time of year, we were one of the first festivals to close because of Covid-19, and now we’re one of the last ones to come back.

“This is going to be the best one yet. Having this amount of time off has meant we have gone away with time to sit down and think about what we can offer to make this event more special and the best one around.”

As well as around 100 acts booked in, other entertainment includes activities and shows for the family, arts and crafts, comedy, food and drink, and open mic opportunities, meaning even festival-goers can get involved with the music.

Teddy Rocks Festival started with a small gig back in 2011 to raise money for Teddy20 - a children’s cancer charity founded by Tom and his family, after he lost his 10-year-old brother to a very rare bone cancer.

After raising around £400 at a Blandford pub, the event transformed into the festival as we know it today, which has continued to grow and grow over the years.

More than £100,000 was raised for the charity from the last Teddy Rocks, held in 2019.

Celebrating the tenth Teddy Rocks event to take place, Tom said: “This really is just such a magical festival, and you couldn’t find a nicer or more beautiful space. Everyone puts in 200 per cent effort, especially to raise all that we can.

“The fact we’re still running is amazing, and we want to make sure we are here for the next ten years.”

Because of the line-up and location, Tom added Teddy Rocks is the “perfect ‘first time’ festival”.

He added: “It’s an awesome place to get the festival experience and introduce kids to festivals, and while there are all of the rock bands it isn’t just that, there is a bit of everything.”

For more information about Teddy Rocks and tickets visit the festival website.

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