By Richard Derbyshire

THE NOVATONES will race back from Greater Manchester on Saturday to headline a charity music festival in Eastleigh.

Frontman Anthony Pitman, drummer Sean Swift, guitarist Mackenzie Gordon-Smith, bassist Toby Hornby-Patterson and keys player Joel Doherty are top of the bill for the second Legacy Festival at Highbridge Farm.

And earlier the same day they’re playing Blackthorn Festival in Stockport with indie legends Lightning Seeds and fellow rising stars like Sheffield’s Oddity Road.

“When we heard about Legacy we knew we had to be involved” Anthony told The Echo. “Our first set in the north is at 3 o’clock so we’ll be straight off stage and into the van to head back. It’s going to be tight, but we’ll make it.”

The all-weekend event has been created by Lyndsey Rowe to raise funds for counselling for people affected by brain tumours. Her son Lloyd Green passed away in November, five years after being diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumour, and is the inspiration for the event.

Lyndsey said “It’s a family friendly festival because during the time my son was ill we realised how important it is for families to spend time together and have fun. It’s a great way to get the local community together too.”

Southampton’s Lewis Smith and the Collision and Bob ‘The General’ Warren also play Saturday, Ska Dogs headline Friday and there’s acoustic shows including The Underdogs and Lauren & Jamie on Sunday.

Last month The Novatones drew the biggest crowd on the Hard Rock stage at their third consecutive Isle of Wight Festival.

Legacy Festival takes place 21-23 July. Weekend tickets £35. Day tickets £12. More at legacy-festival.co.uk.