HAGFEST is set to return by popular demand after the success of last year’s inaugural family-friendly music festival.

Once again the event will take place on the Hagley playing fields, which last year saw more than 1,700 people flock to the village for an afternoon of music and dancing in the sunshine.

Organisers Fran Evans and Rachel Jenkins said that this year’s Hagfest – which will take place on Saturday July 2 – will feature a bigger stage and more bands, as well as children’s attractions, street food, craft beer and stalls.

The pair said they are “very excited” about the 2016 festival and are keen to build on last year’s success, adding: “Last year was our first event and we had fantastic community support as well as the amazing weather which certainly helped.”

This year's musical line, supported by Stourbridge’s Base Studios, will be announced on the Hagfest 2016 Facebook page as well as the festival’s new website.

The first Hagfest raised more than £10,000 which was donated towards the building of a new community hub project, bringing Hagley Parish Council, library services, West Mercia Police and community groups together under one roof.

Fran said: “We hope that everyone will continue to be part of it, so we can get the community centre plans moving forward following a recent consultation.

“If we can make the new build bigger and incorporate more features and local services as planned, it will prove invaluable to a larger number of local people and will be an exciting new asset for the village.

“This year most of the money raised will again go towards the community hub project, with 10 per cent being put towards the Birmingham Children's Hospital for a new rare diseases unit.

“Please come and support these fantastic causes – whatever the weather!”

Organisers are also appealing for potential sponsors to get in touch by emailing Fran at contactme@francescaevans.com.

She added: “Clent Hills Vet Group have already signed up for the second year running, but there are several sponsorship packages still available.

“It’s not too early for helpers to sign up, so if you fancy manning a stall or doing a spot of face painting do get in touch.”

Tickets for the event – which is supported by Hagley Parish Council and The Hagley Community Association – will be available to purchase in May on the festival’s website at www.hagfest.co.uk, and in local stores.