LONDON band Pink Cigar will headline a music festival which is celebrating its sixth year.

Beamfest, which takes place in Newton-le-Willows this Saturday (May 21), will feature ten local bands throughout the day and will be headlined by Pink Cigar who are fresh from a US tour.

Organiser Dean Hill, 44, who will be playing on the day with his own band Pink Steel said: "After the closure of the Newton Music festival on Mesnes Park there wasn't anything like it in the area where bands could play. Young musicians need something to look forward to. It keeps them motivated and gives them a reason to practice. Out of my lifelong love of music and my sons being in a band, Beamfest was born.

"Now six years on it gets better every year. We have booked some great bands and there is something for everyone. And to have Pink Cigar agreeing to play really finishes the day in style."

The music gets underway at noon and the bands confirmed to be playing are Unchartered, The Gentlekind, A Million Birds, Cilit Band, Riff Riders, Falling Above, Serratone, Split, The Vacancy Project and Pink Cigar.

Tickets cost £4 on the door and children get in for free.