IT'S 50 years since Paris was rocked by a series of revolutionary riots which brought the entire economy of France to a virtual halt and even led to President Charles de Gaulle secretly fleeing the country in fear of a coup.

The protests spurred an artistic movement, with songs, graffiti, posters, and slogans and its iconography has continued to inspire bands, artists and designers down the decades from the Stone Roses to the Sex Pistols.

"When we were first looking at setting up a record label, we were collectively drawn to the incendiary events and images of the social and artistic uprising that took place across France in May 1968," says Daniel Hambrook of Chester-based record label Mai 68.

"What was unique about this time was that a student rebellion led by the cord jacketed situationists culminated in a full revolt by the workers of Paris.

"The city became a canvas of ideas, the left bank daubed in art and slogans urging the citizens to ‘Be realistic, demand the impossible’ and ‘take your desires for realities’ - it seemed very apt for a burgeoning indie label with a micro budget!"

Daniel has now decided to mark the 50th anniversary of those momentous events with a one day festival dedicated to music, arts and activism and run in conjunction with Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH).

"As a label we have been lucky enough to release three local artists on vinyl, hoping to provide them with a platform to grow and develop their profile and knew that we had to stage an event to mark 50 years of the events that inspired us and countless others," explains Daniel.

The event at St Mary's Creative Space in Chester was booked for May 19 but Daniel then found out it would coincided with the Royal Wedding.

"Once the wedding was announced a call was put out from Alan McGee, the man who discovered Oasis, for gigs around the country on that day to raise awareness and funds for MAH, which is a charity supported by Crisis dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in society," he laughs. "We felt there was a touch of fate we couldn’t ignore."

As well as featuring artists on the Mai 68 roster, such as Chemistry Lane and Shipbuilders, Daniel has also tempted some bigger names from further afield.

"The word was spread and we have been amazed by the generosity of bands willing to get involved." he says. "We have a headline set from Manchester band The Longcut, who are about to release their much anticipated second album, along with Liverpool indie dance institution The Tea Street Band.

"We are also delighted to host exciting new talent in the form of icy Merseyside synth band St Jude The Obscure and Manchester indie lads Dirty Laces."

In addition to the music there will be stalls from local indie retailers, Up North Records, Junkbox, The Grunge Monkey and art installations and speakers from Bad Art collective. Peter Harris an expert in all things Mai 68 will be speaking about the events of the time and parallels that resonate today.

Daniel adds: "Lots of local businesses have pledged support in the form of raffle prizes and we hope the day will raise a huge amount for MAH, along with introducing some brilliant independent music to Chester, whilst celebrating all that is great about the city’s thriving music arts and cultural scene inspired by that free thinking spirit of '68."

The Spirit of Mai 68 Festival is at St Mary's Creative Space, Chester on Saturday May 19. Doors: 3pm. Tickets £15 available from seetickets.com / Lily Vintage, Bridge Street, Chester.