The Rose and Crown pub in Manea is helping to kick start the festival season by hosting a charity music and real ale festival.

The R&C Fest 2015, will be held on Saturday May 23, and will raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

The event will feature local bands including Storm, Summerland, Manea Silver Band and The 142s - with Switchblade headlining.

DJ Bolts and crew from Peterborough FM will be hosting on the day.

Guest ales will be on tap on the outside bar with raffles and a charity auction running throughout the day to boost funds raised.

Amy Thomson, event organiser, said: “R&C Fest 2015 promises a great day of entertainment, a chance to catch up with friends and raise some money for a good cause at the same time.

“I chose to support EACH because I wanted somewhere local to us to benefit from the money raised. All the band’s that are performing are doing so for free, giving up there free time, to help raise money for this fabulous charity.

“I work as a full time ambulance clinician and have seen first hand how devastating it can be for parents to lose a child through illness and trauma - I just wanted to give something back, and raise money to help these families.”

The live music on the day will play from 11am till 11pm, with food available throughout.

Karen Newton, EACH Cambridgeshire Fundraiser, said: “I’d like to thank Amy and the whole team at the Rose and Crown in Manea for choosing to support us through their music festival. EACH cares for children with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire and supports their families.

“All the monies raised will go towards allowing us to continue this vital work.”