THIS month will see the launch of a brand new music festival in Chard with one of the country’s biggest tribute acts headlining.

ChardRock is set to be held on August 25, and has been organised by local man John Arnold.

He was inspired to set up the festival to raise money for AT Society, a charity which supports his niece.

John said: “My niece, she suffers from the condition AT (ataxia-telangiectasia), and they don’t get any government funding.

“Any pennies that they can get, it all goes to research and to help out with this charity.”

AT is a rare, neurodegenerative disease, which causes severe disability. John’s niece is now seven eyars old and in the past year she has been confined to a wheelchair.

He added: “They have a very short life expectancy, so as a family we donate and do things to raise money for this.”

John is also a member of a band and has seen the rising popularity of music festivals over the past few years.

The event runs for 12 hours, with seven acts set to perform throughout the day and finishing with the headline act, AC/DC tribute band Live/Wire.

The event opens at 11am, and will feature Jack Humpries, Silver Monkeys, Behind Closed Doors, The Legendary Snake Snake Snake, Fraser Road Race Band, Engine Room and Live/Wire.

Camping is available for £10.

For more, visit chardrock.co.uk.