THE family-friendly Edstone Music Festival is once more taking to the stage for the sixth year with the promise of top music and great children’s entertainment.

Raising funds for the MS Society the event is now recognised as one of North Yorkshire’s best early summer festivals which this year takes place in Great Edstone on Saturday, July 11, from 5pm.

This year’s main headliners include Beth McCarthy, a York-based singer-songwriter who has been gigging with her acoustic guitar since mid-2010. Beth plays a mix of her own songs, some poignant, some catchy, all well-crafted, and cover versions in her own dynamic style.

Crossing over from West Yorkshire are Fe!, Fie!, Fie!. This five-piece band have impressed and entertained audiences with their alternative electro-acoustic sound at festivals across the UK and are a great addition to the line-up. Their new album was released in January.

Appearing on to the main stage this year is Me for Queen, which began as a solo project for Mary Erskine, also of dance electronica group, Talk In Colour, and who has now been joined by Will Dollard, Nick Bowling and Andy Paine on guitar, trumpet, bass and drums.

Regulars to Edstone and top favourites are Say What!. This eight-piece funk outfit return with new instruments, new music and a new set of ties.

A revelation last year and returning once again is James Patterson. Feel good folk music lies at the core of his musical style, but James draws inspiration from other genres, such as Jazz and R&B, to give each number that extra something.

For lovers of classic rock the festival brings Smokin’ Valves and Radio Silence, who play a mix of classic rock and indie covers.

The Edstone Music Festival also provides a stage for young and emerging talent and this year it welcomes The Crumbles - a brother and sister duo. Also on the programme are Bad Habit – making their Edstone debut this year.

No Edstone Music Festival would be complete without Waley and the Marlers – fronted by festival host Simon Waley, the band are guaranteed to get everyone up and dancing with their mix of great classics.

Simon said: “The Edstone Music Festival is thrilled to be back again for another year and 2015 looks like it’s going to be the best yet. There’s something very special about our festival.

"Whether it’s the gorgeous setting, the brilliant bands, the family friendly atmosphere or our great camping site, loos and yummy food I have no idea but it works."

"We’ve raised thousands of pounds for a great cause over the last five years and had a brilliant time doing it so long may it continue."

Simon Moran, area fundraiser for the MS Society, said: “The MS Society is incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Simon Waley and everyone who is involved in organising this amazing festival. Thank you to all the musicians, bands, stagehands, fundraisers and of course the fabulous audience. "

He added: "Since 2010, the festival has raised nearly £40,000 which has assisted us in both supporting people with MS locally in their communities and also with our ground breaking research programmes on a national and international level.

"We’re greatly looking forward to this year’s event.”

Full price tickets are adults £20, family £40, students £15 and under 16s £5

Early Bird Offer, up to Saturday, June 28, adults £15, students £10, family £35

Tickets can be bought from Helmsley Arts Centre – phone 01439 771700 or go to helmsleyarts.co.uk

For more information see www.edstone-festival.co.uk