A cult funk-rock band known for their wild showmanship and stage theatrics lead an exciting line-up at a mini summer festival.

London-based Tankus the Henge are sure to get the crowd dancing when they perform at the Chesil Rocks music and arts event, a fundraiser for Samaritans of Dorset.

They will be joined by festival favourites The London Gay Men’s Chorus, as well as The Leylines, Stealing Whiskey, N.U.M.B, Hustle, Sarah de Warren, Bridport Big Band, and many more.

Chesil Rocks, which started in 2012, is held at the Langton Herring home of Tim and Hilary Warren overlooking Chesil Beach and the Jurassic Coast.

Its mission has always been to support the Weymouth-based Samaritans branch and each year the event raises an amount which equates to around a quarter of the branch’s budget.

The Warrens say this fundraising allows the listening volunteers to focus on what they do best.

They say this year they have their ‘best ever’ line-up with a mixture of acclaimed bands, solo singers and vocal groups from Dorset and beyond. There will be the usual mix of side attractions, stalls, quality food and drink outlets, and children’s entertainment. Chesil Rocks is proud of its green credentials – it is a plastic-free event while food outlets use compostable containers and have at least one plant-based menu option.

The organisers say they are grateful to RiskSTOP Group Ltd, Porter Dodson, Superskills Construction Training and others for their sponsorship.

As well as the main festival day on Saturday, June 20 (midday to midnight), there will be a comedy night on Thursday, June 18 and an evening of classical music and opera on Friday, June 19. Tickets are required for each event and they can be purchased via chesilrocks.com

Get writing for the environment

Chesil Rocks is inviting entries for its first Environmental Songwriting Competition to help showcase local talent.

Entries are sought that are original and likely to engage an audience and raise awareness about important environmental issues – for example climate change, deforestation, biodiversity or pollution.

Applicants may be amateur or professional, an individual or group, a school, business or other association and be of any age. The song may be of any genre – folk, pop, country, hip hop, rock, blues, reggae, rap, jazz, a cappella, operatic or classical, etc.

The competition is free to enter and applicants should submit an MP3 or video clip plus a copy of the lyrics. The deadline is April 22 (Earth Day). Finalists will be invited to perform their song and the winner gets to perform at the festival as well as receiving £1,000.

Details of the competition and entry forms can be found on the new Chesil Rocks website www.chesilrocks.com