The Nibley Festival is set to return this year with one of their biggest and most varied music line ups to date.

With huge names from the world of hip-hop and indie rock, as well as local artists and activities, the festival is aimed at providing a great day out for families.

“A festival can be really difficult to pitch,” said Tom de Pass, part of the Nibley organising team.

“We want to appeal to a really broad audience and to just put on a really good party.”

Last year saw the festival host rapper Example and cult band The Pigeon Detectives headlining the day and a half long festival.

“The weather was amazing, it was a great event,” said Tom. “But we think this year will be even better.”

This year will see hip hop icons The Sugarhill Gang, joined by Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio of ‘Furious Five’ fame, headlining the main stage at Nibley on Saturday 6th July.

Also performing will be Rat Boy, one of the most exciting up and coming indie artists who has recently supported Liam Gallagher, and Britpop bands Cast and Sleeper.

Tom continued: “We’ve also got a DJ stage which is new for this year.

“We’ve got a host of DJs performing on both days, along with a workshop on Saturday morning.”

Along with the main headliners, Nibley also focuses on giving local musicians the opportunity to perform on stage in front of huge crowds.

Bands and artists from Stroud, Cheltenham and places all around Gloucestershire will be attending.

“We’ve got a lot of local acts this year,” said Tom.

“It’s definitely a big thing for us to showcase local talent and help give them a platform at the start of their careers.”

The festival is run solely by volunteers, with profits going to charity each year.

“We’ve raised around £270,000 over the years,” added Tom. “This year our charity partner is the Julian Trust who help homeless people in the Bristol area.

“We also run a grant scheme where charities can apply, and we give away smaller sums here and there. The fundraising is why the festival started in the first place.”

Tickets for the Nibley Festival sold out – “in record time”, says Tom – and those lucky ones who bagged themselves a ticket will be able to see the huge variety of acts on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th July.