A MUSIC festival set up in memory of pub landlady is returning to its roots in Crow country.

Royston Crow: Clairefest 2013Clairefest 2013 (Image: Archant)

Clairefest returns for a third year in 2013, and after moving to the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage last year it will be back in Ashwell at Elbrook Meadow.

Organiser Darrell Stanley started up the event in memory of his late wife, Claire Stanley, who died from breast cancer in 2010. The couple used to run the Three Tuns in Ashwell, and all proceeds from Clairefest will got to the Claire Stanley Trust, which was set up by Mr Stanley after her death. The trust funds research into cancer treatments and equipment for treating and curing cancers.

Mr Stanley has already secured an impressive array of artists for the festival. Headliners, which were unveiled to the Crow this week, include Peter Howarth, former frontman of The Hollies whose hits include He Ain’t Heavy (He’s My Brother) and The Air That I Breathe.

Rockers Dr Feelgood will also be getting the crowd going, while ’60s English beat group The Tremeloes are set to perform all their number one hits, including Silence Is Golden, Yellow River, Do You Love Me? and Twist and Shout.

The Rock Choir, as seen on TV, are also making an appearance, and more bands are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Early bird tickets are now on sale for the event, which will be held on September 7.

Mr Stanley promised the festival would be “bigger and better than before”.

He added: “There’s something for everyone. It’s very family orientated.

“There will be three stages this year, which is more than before, and hopefully also an area for acoustics.”

Tickets can be bought from www.clairefest.org – they cost £10 for adults, £5 for children, and under-fives go free. Family tickets are also available.

Volunteers and sponsors are both needed for the event. Email info@clairefest.org for more information.