A HAMPSHIRE charity which provides a lifeline to poverty stricken families is staging its first ever music festival.

Thousands are expected to converge on Fair Oak’s Knowle Park on Saturday, June 7 for Hope Fest 2014.

It will be a spectacular fundraiser for the New Hope Project and the related charity Ark which both work locally to relieve suffering and poverty.

Demand for their services has increased as living costs soar for many under pressure families and record numbers are having to turn to food banks.

The festival will showcase the talents of up and coming local musicians, including those who have already tasted stardom through Britain’s Got Talent and X Factor.

And the crowd-pulling package of music will range from jazz to pop and soul to Motown.

Among the headline acts will be Britain’s Got Talent star Falah Hassan, who as Poppin’ Ron wowed the judges and millions of viewers with his unique dance routine.

He will be sharing the stage with Tom Mann, the football coach from Southampton, who scored a huge hit with his version of the Cyndi Lauper classic Girls Just Want to Have Fun in the Boot Camp stage of X Factor.

The festival line-up also includes other future singing stars Legacy, Jem Cooke, Ebonie G, Chalky Gravel, Daughters of Davis, Jack Williams, Kristyna Miles, Natt Birch and Thomas Seyah.

Running from midday to 8pm the music festival will be a family day out with picnic areas, stalls, kite festival and bouncy castles.

A New Hope Project spokesman said: “It will be an opportunity for the charity and its supporters to promote their message and brand whilst raising funds. We hope that the success of the event will leave a lasting legacy and one that becomes included annually.”

New Hope supplies working white goods, furniture and other items to families in need and also offers practical help to families struggling to make ends meet. Ark helps individuals and families who through their circumstances are in need of practical and emotional support.

Tickets cost £10 per adult but children under twelve accompanied by an adult (max two) are free.

For more details email ian@newhopehampshire.org.