A POPULAR family music festival is to return this weekend for its sixth year.

Last year Duckfest, which is run entirely by volunteers from local charity the Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust, had its 'best year yet'.

This year it returns to Hintock Farm, Charminster, with tribute band Foo Fighters GB as its headline act.

Festival organisers say that Duckfest 2023 will run whatever the weather.

The Ducks & Drakes Cancer Trust, based in Dorset, was founded to help save lives and promote well-being by raising awareness of cancer and specifically bowel cancer in young people, aged 18 to 30 in Dorset and the UK.

It supports bowel cancer patients and their families through the provision of specialist equipment and financial aid to fund specialist nurses and support local cancer care organisation.

Duckfest 2023 begins tonight, Friday, August 4 and continues tomorrow, Saturday, August 5 and promises great live music, stalls, fun for the children, food and refreshments and a fantastic atmosphere.

On the main stage on Friday are Sugar Rush, Chill the Party Band, Ironhide and headlining is Rusty Shackle.

Entertaining the crowd on the main stage on Saturday are The Surfin' Birds, Archie Ray & The Flutterbies, Stealing Whiskey, Stereoironics, That Covers Band and The Few, which will be followed by a rousing performance from headliners Foo Fighters GB.

They'll play all the hits, but also some of the less well known deep cuts from the FF back catalogue to give fans a uniquely satisfying experience. And the audience is always invited to be a part of the show when the singalongs start.

The festival will also have a bar stage, featuring performances from a variety of musicians and bands.

Local producers will also have stalls at the festival, including the Weymouth Cider Company, Carla's Cones and Hamza's Falafel Wraps.

For relaxation festivalgoers can enjoy a refelxology stall and Massages by Essence of Tia. 

Other activities available will include hair wrapping and face painting, bouncy castles and Mad 4 Animals will be on site on the Saturday from 12pm to 3pm.

Camping tickets are available for tents and the whole weekend only.

Ticket prices have increased slightly this year due to increasing costs for the smooth running of the festival.

For more information see the website www.duckfest.co.uk