A POPULAR town music event is to return next week.

Hundreds of people turned out for Mold's new music festival M-Fest last year.

The event, organised by Mold Carnival's volunteer committee, will return to Kendrick's Field in Mold on Saturday, July 6.

Among the bands and artists to perform are The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Band, Busk Til Dawn, The Montagues, Chasing Shadows, Laura Wilson, Lost Like Alice, Saving Violets and more.

Pete Dando, volunteer organiser, has been part of the carnival committee for three years.

He said: "My daughter entered the talent competition Mold's Got Talent (now named Time 2 Shine) and I was so impressed with how everything was arranged.

"I asked if there was anything I could do to help and I have been part of it ever since.

"It is hard work, especially in the months leading up to it, but it is very rewarding.

"It is great to see it all come together and to see everyone's faces - that's why I do it.

"The whole structure of M-Fest is giving local bands the opportunity to perform in front of a crowd and it is a complete different lineup this year."

Volunteer organiser Adele Cross told the Leader: "I started last year. I always like to do things for the community, especially for the youngsters.

"M-Fest was something new to the town last year and it was a brilliant way to showcase all the local bands.

"It brings more people into Mold as well and there's a good variety of music so it appeals to people of all ages.

"It really does have a festival feeling and it is a family-friendly event."

Kyle Parry will perform at M-Fest with his indie rock band The Montagues.

He said: "It's really nice to be on the roster - I am hoping for a good atmosphere and for the people of Mold to have a good time.

"It's good for the local community and for unsigned bands to get exposure as well.

"But I also like the camaraderie. You get a range of good people."

Chris Leonard, of indie pop band Chasing Shadows, said: "It will be a good day - there's a good array of local acts doing original music and covers, keeping people up on their feet and dancing.

"You can tell the organisers are really trying to put on something good for the community.

"We will be doing our new single 'Everything' which came out about two months ago."

M-Fest is organised as a way to help fund the town's carnival, which is a free entry event, but also to give the community a summer music festival.

Tickets for M-Fest cost £10 (advance price) with children under six free of charge. Entrance price on the day will be £15.

In March this year, Mold Town Council agreed to take on Mold Carnival and M-Fest under its events remit.

This was at the request of the volunteer committee who felt that due to increasing pressures and responsibilities of event organisation and legal requirements, to ensure that they could continue to deliver quality events in a safe and legal manner, it would be better if the events where adopted by the town council.

Although now under the town council banner, the six-person committee organising remains the same - Jane Evans, Cllr Anthony Parry, Cllr Trevor Arnold, Pete Dando, Adele Cross and Lorna McHugh.

Jane Evans, Mold Town Council's events and community engagement officer, added: "To help us keep the event affordable day and to help us cover associated cost we are seeking the local businesses support and asking them to consider sponsoring some aspect of the event.

"We can offer sponsorship from as little as £50.

"Sponsorship is not only in place for M-Fest but for the carnival which takes place the next day and on average attracts around 6,000 people throughout the day so it is a great way for businesses to show their support to the local community."

Further information about the event can be found on the Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/MFestNW/