A MUSIC-loving Bewdley businessman has organised a unique indoor festival in Stourport next month.

Fusion will be a one-day celebration of ‘music without boundaries’ and will see nine prog-rock bands performing at the Civic Hall on Saturday, March 31.

Headliners Godsticks will be joined by the likes of Apostles of Chaos, IT, Quiet Wish, The Tirith and The Midnight Sun.

As well as showcasing the bands’ music, the event also aims to raise money for pulmonary fibrosis charities – a cause close to Fusion organiser Steve Gould’s heart.

Mr Gould, who runs Bewdley-based computer repair business The Zoo, lost his 86-year-old dad Sam to asbestosis just before Christmas and wanted to do something in his father’s memory.

The 60-year-old father-of-two and grandfather-of-five only came up with the idea for Fusion last November but the idea has developed and tickets for the festival are now on sale.

Mr Gould, who also presents a weekly Sunday show on Midlands Metalheads Radio from 4-7pm, said: “It is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this but it’s all coming together quickly now.

“I’ve been into prog since I was 14 and it is very much misunderstood.

“It really is a form of music with no boundaries and can feature elements of rock, jazz and classical music.

“Prog is enjoying something of a resurgence at present and these bands are from all over the country and regulars on the tour and festival circuit.

“I think this is something that is needed and a great boost for Stourport and will bring people into the town. The Civic is a wonderful venue and perfect for such an event.

“While this is the first one, I hope to be able to stage the event every year. I’m extremely passionate about music. I met my wife Louise Ann through our shared love of prog when I was 16 and we celebrate 40 years marriage this year.”

He added: “Dad is greatly missed by a lot of people as he was such a wonderful man. Donating some of the proceeds to pulmonary fibrosis charities is the least I can do in his memory.”

Tickets for the festival cost £25 and can be booked via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/FFIIFK