SLYDIGS and Stillia are among the bands chosen to headline a charity festival in memory of Viola Beach guitarist River Reeves.

The event, titled RivFest, will be headlined by Maximo Park, Billy Bragg and Eliza and the Bear.

The Voice winner Mo Adeniran will also share the stage with a variety of bands and DJs, including This Is England star-turned-DJ Thomas Turgoose. The festival will be held at River’s former college in Warrington on Saturday, September 2.

Stillia, from Sutton, and Slydigs, who have strong Newton-le-Willows and Burtonwood connections, both have growing profiles and followings.

Viola Beach’s 19-year-old River and his bandmates Jack Dakin, 19, Kris Leonard, 19, and Tomas Lowe, 27, were killed when a car they were travelling in careered off a bridge in Sweden. Their manager Craig Tarry, 32, also died in the crash.

River’s father Ben Dunne, a headteacher, founded a charity in his son’s name. The River Reeves Foundation aims to offer support to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds as they pursue careers in the arts.

Other acts include The Voice star Max Vickers, The Rainband, Man and the Echo, The RPMs, Slydigs, Caro and Friends of Our Youth.

Looking ahead, Dean Fairhurst, frontman of Slydigs, said: “Viola Beach are the reason we’re all heading to RivFest to perform. They were like all of us. They knew the beauty in being in a band and creating music with your closest friends. And they knew the hard work it took to get your music heard. I’m sure we will hear a lot of their songs over the weekend and they should be remembered for what they accomplished.

Dean is also excited to watch Stillia, adding: “I remember these lads (Stillia) from when we first signed a record deal and they asked to support us. They had passed comments about being inspired by us to start the band which is obviously a huge compliment especially because they’re now doing so well. The last time I saw them was a good few years ago so I’m excited to see them do their thing. Their hard work is now starting to bear fruit.”

RivFest will take place at Warrington’s Priestley College. Adult tickets cost £20 and children’s tickets are £5, via website Skiddle.