THE MAN behind Titchfield's first rock music festival has managed to get 30 minutes extra concert time - a month after new noise regulations were introduced.

Mike Pearce has struck a deal with council planners not to have to pull the plug on the Rock the Abbey concert until 11.30pm.

This is despite new regulations coming into force last month banning any noise at Titchfield Abbey after 11pm following complaints from people living nearby.

"The actual concert will stop at 11.15pm but we have to allow for encores. The music will definitely stop at 11.30pm, and hopefully everyone will be out of the abbey by midnight," said Mr Pearce of The Square, Titchfield.

He added there will be no fireworks during the event to be staged on Saturday June 15.

Organisers hope the Rock the Abbey Music festival will follow in the footsteps of the Titchfield Carnival and become a regular fixture in the town's social calendar.

"The first year is always the hardest," said Mr Pearce. "The concert date is in the middle of the Isle of Wight festival and Glastonbury so there's quite a lot of competition."

Indie, punk and rock bands lined up include Southampton based group Karmic Jera, British Sea Power, Gertrude and Rachel Stamp.

The historic abbey hosted events eight years ago under the direction of the Titchfield Abbey Association.

Cash collected from hiring out the abbey for events is ploughed back into the upkeep and enhancement of the site.

Rock The Abbey is on Saturday, June 15. Doors open at 1pm with the concert at 2pm. Tickets cost £17.50 each.