IT IS the musical festival which aims to raise vital cash for ill Hampshire children.

Live music, dance performances and comedians are to entertain residents at the 271festival, named after the motorway nearby.

It is set to take place at the Four Horseshoes in Nursling, Southampton, on September 16.

Several bands and singers will perform from 5pm, including Harry Fisher, the Southampton boy who wowed the judges on The Voice last year.

The event aims to raise money and awareness for Southampton Children’s Hospital Charity’s Children’s emergency and trauma department appeal, and has been organised by the Southampton branch of Interserve Construction Limited.

The event comes after the construction company signed up to the #CETD100Club, a fundraising initiative which calls out for 100 teams or individuals to raise or donate £10,000 towards the new emergency and trauma department.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, the £4.8 million development, led by Southampton Hospital Charity and The Murray Parish Trust, will see the creation of a new department dedicated entirely to children’s emergency and trauma.

The new department is expected to see over 30,000 children a year and will include a dedicated children’s x-ray department, sedation room and a nurse practitioner ‘see and treat’ room.

Amber Badger-Bell, major gifts officer at Southampton Hospital Charity, said: “The passion and enthusiasm Interserve has shown us in the lead up to the 271festival has been fantastic.

“We have currently raised over £750,000 towards the new department – this would not have been possible without the help of teams such as Interserve and our wonderful donors.

“We really hope that the community gets behind this exciting event. Your support will help make our vision a reality.”

Matt Villis, project manager at Interserve Construction, said: “The aim of the event was to create a community based summer celebration for all the family to enjoy; a place where incredibly talented performers would get the opportunity to play to a brilliant crowd whilst raising money for a vital cause.”

Tickets cost £5 per person while the event is free for those under 12. To buy tickets or to perform on the day call Matt Villis on 07825416358 or Tom Clarke 07484 532621.