FRESHFIELDS festival in New Milton is returning for its third year to raise money for charity and inspire more young people to get involved in music. The music-lovers behind the event are expecting at least 3,000 revellers of all ages to attend the one-day festival on August 17.

Main organiser Lisa Thompson said: “It started off as an absolutely mad idea I had one day to run a festival, but since then it has just grown and grown.

“The whole idea is to bring the community closer together and for everyone to play a part in raising money for charity. It’s a community event and a really family-friendly fun day out.”

There will be four stages and an eclectic array of music ranging from acoustic sets in the Cultura tent to blues, ska and popular dance acts on the main stage.

Some of the biggest names playing this year are Peter Christee, Brandon Block, Groovemeister and Flicks, a 10-piece band. The festival has come a long way from its first year when they had to convert lorries into stages.

Many of the artists who debuted at Freshfields have gone on to find success, including Zap Dixon, a 15-year-old beat boxer who is playing Glastonbury this year.

The organisers are hoping to raise £10,000 for the Common Ground (New Forest) Trust which promotes the arts through the education and support of young people in the area.

There are music workshops and graffiti workshops to keep the youngsters entertained throughout the day.

Lisa, who works full-time with young homeless people is hoping to expand the festival.

She said: “We really want to extend Freshfields to a two-day festival so we can raise even more money for charity.”