THE fun of the festival will be spread over two days as AlstonLIVE continues to grow in stature.

After two successful events since it was resurrected in 2014, the support for the local music showcase has grown to such an extent that organisers have added acts to the main line-up tomorrow.

The action gets under way on Friday night with a number of performers from 7pm onwards.

Alston’s talented singer/ songwriter Fiona Clayton returns to the festival after last appearing in 2014, and she will share the stage with Rory McLeod, The Familiar Strangers and COLT 45 tonight.

Taking place at the town’s Tyne Willows playing field, there will be plenty for everybody on Saturday, with a range of regional and national acts taking centre stage.

Listed to play the main stage, or the Tent from Nent to give it its correct name, are LoopCycle, Fever Trees, The Mount Hooley Band, MC Blade, Dawn Foster, Uncle PAF, Sinead Livingstone, Patrick Vercambre, Mike Williams and Solveig, Twig and T-Pot, Dave Dalby, The Players and Fred Sherriff.

There are also rumours that new band Dansi, made up of musicians from Alston and Haydon Bridge, will perform too, although their appearance is yet to be confirmed.

Over in the My Giddy Aunt Marquee, Sean Taylor, Wreckage, Rory Connor and Friends, The Jennifer Ewan Band, Die No More and Leatherat will provide the entertainment.

There’s plenty of entertainment away from the music too with Jason the Juggler, Mysical Monty, The Over the Top Puppet Show, Bush Rush and bouncy castles and inflatable slides keeping people amused.

Tom Saunders, who chairs AlstonLIVE’s organising committee, said: “Featuring a packed line-up of local, regional and national talent across two stages, the wide variety of styles on offer is bound to provide entertainment for almost everyone.

“And with both stages and the bar being under cover, you needn’t let the weather put you off!

“Alongside the music, there will also be plenty of other entertainment and activities on site to keep you and your children amused.

“Combined with some of the top quality food available on site, drinks from the real ale bar, and clothing and craft stalls to browse, it looks set to be another cracking event in a beautiful corner of Cumbria.”