A SHIRENEWTON fundraising festival will be hoping to build on previous successes when it returns on Saturday June 4.

Shirefest will return to The Huntsman Hotel next weekend from 2pm, with 17 bands from across the UK set to perform on two stages.

The event enjoyed a record-breaking charity donation last year after raising £4,000 for two children's charities, Noah's Ark Children's Hospital and Little Hearts Matter.

The £4,000 raised was a considerable difference to the £1,000 that was raised for the NSPCC at the first Shirefest.

All funds from Shirefest 2016 will go solely to the Cardiff-based Noah's Ark, and organiser David Watkins is confident that they can go one better this year.

"We wanted to keep it simple this year with a more local charity in Noah's Ark," said Mr Watkins.

"We have huge amount of support from local businesses and contacts who part with serious amounts of money to help us out every year.

"With this in mind, we're hoping to surpass last year's total."

Mr Watkins, along with Philip Moles and Tim King, have been organising the festival since 2012 but the idea for it came some years earlier.

The event was born from 'Tanfest', a festival that was run out of Shirenewton pub The Tan House.

Following The Tan House's closure in 2010, the creation of Shirefest seemed the next logical step.

According to Mr Watkins, the reputation of the festival has grown, with bands more than happy to play for free.

He said: "Shirefest started with a few of us locals wanting to raise a bit of money for charity.

"It was formed in a very ad-hoc way but it has gained popularity year on year.

Along with its reputation, the festival's infrastructure has also changed allowing the operation to run.

With the success of many festivals depending on the weather, Shirefest have put in new infrastructure to ensure the music can be enjoyed whatever the condition.

The donated professionally-assembled stage and sound equipment along with artists and audience will be safe under cover.

Noah’s Ark charity director, Suzanne Mainwaring, said: “We’re honoured to be the beneficiaries of ShireFest once again this year.

“The money will help fund the most up to date equipment, facilities and support services so that the children of Wales can receive the very best care. A huge thank you to everyone who’ll be attending for their support.”

Tickets for Shirefest will be on sale from The Huntsman and Hannah's Music in Chepstow.

For more information on Shirefest, visit http://shirefest.org.