AN annual music festival will this year raise money for the Butterwick Hospice, organisers have confirmed.

The Oyster Festival is held every year at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield to raise money for a chosen charity.

Organisers have now announced the 11th festival being held in September will be in aid of the Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland.

The Hospice provides palliative care services to the Durham Dales and Sedgefield areas and cares for more than 650 patients and their families each year.

Clair (CORR) McGregor, Fundraising Team Leader for Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland, said: “As we offer these services free of charge, fundraising is essential to ensure the Hospice is always there to serve the local community and the money raised at the Oyster Festival will go directly to patient care and services to help improve the lives of the people in the communities we serve.

“We’re very grateful for the opportunity to be a presence at such a renowned event and we’re sure it will be an incredible day with lots of glamorous outfits, laughter and good times.”

The festival has raised almost £500,000 for regional charities since the first event in 2004.

The 11th annual Oyster Festival will take place at Hardwick Hall Hotel on Friday, September 19 and includes performances from 80s soul legend Alexander O’Neal, comedian Terry Alderton, Wildcats of Kilkenny and JJ Galway Band.

For more information, contact Hardwick Hall Hotel on 01740-620253 or email info@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk