A REDDITCH music festival celebrating the life of late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham will go ahead this year.

Redditch will once again commemorate its famous son when the 'John Bonham: A Celebration Festival' returns on Saturday, September 25.

Organisers, John Bonham Memorial Friends, had to cancel their 2019 festival and postpone last year’s planned music event due to the pandemic.

This year’s event will have a different format to the big marquee celebration held in 2018. The open-air music event will be located close to John’s memorial in Mercian Square from midday to 6pm, Matinee and evening shows featuring rock and blues acts will be held at the Palace Theatre.

Headline Acts include John Coghlan’s Quo, Stray, Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs, CODA – A Tribute To Led Zeppelin and VAMBO.

Opening the matinee show, will be Young Drummer of the Year 2019 winner, Michael MacCourt.

They will be joined on stage by special guests and friends of John Bonham sharing their memories of the man,

Tickets for the shows are now on sale via www.JohnBonhamAC.com or the Palace Theatre Box Office on 01527 65203.

Festival director Ros Sidaway said: “The Government’s announcement of their intention to allow large gatherings, including music festivals, to be staged without restrictions from June 21st onwards, came as a huge relief to all involved after what has been a dreadful year, particularly for the live music industry.

“It’s also been tough for charities unable to fundraise so we are hoping to raise as much money as possible for our nominated charity, Teenage Cancer Trust West Midlands.

“Our aim is to make the festival bigger and better than the last one, and also showcase local talent to those from near and far, including, hopefully, international music fans.

“We want to put Redditch on the map by celebrating the life of John Henry Bonham, local lad and global rock legend.”

People who would like to be involved in the festival, or are interested in sponsoring, advertising or donating raffle prizes, are asked to contact John Bonham Memorial Friends via their website or contact Ros Sidaway on 07887 525107.