“WE WANT to turn something so tragic into something positive and help save lives.”

These are the words of Mike Spall, whose friend Glenn Lovell died in March.

Glenn, 43, owned historic music venue The Joiners and was described as “the force behind the Southampton music scene”.

Now his family and friends are inviting the community to GlennFest I on September 23.

The event will be “a celebration of music and life” and help raise money for Solent Mind as well as bereavement charities Simon Says and The Red Lipstick Foundation.

Glenn’s wife Michelle said: “The days after Glenn passed away I was trying to think of a way to not only give him the type of send-off he deserves but also to help others living with various forms of mental illness.

"It then came to me that a festival bringing together all the bands his life was surrounded by and his true love of music would be a great idea.”

It will take place at the Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Totton from 2pm to 9pm, with several bands performing including the Stout, My Mantra, Superdrone and Kyoto. It will be opened by Glenn’s daughter Ava Lovell.

“I’m super excited Ava will be opening GlennFest in her daddy’s honour. Her brothers Brandon and Hartley will be there to support her and be an integral part of Glenn’s memory at GlennFest,” Michelle said.

And added: “I would love to see all the faces from Glenn’s music past there and remember him as the talented man with the wonderfully infectious laugh.”

An inquest into Glenn’s death found he had taken his own life.

Mike, who along with Stuart Simpson and Bill Acharjee, is helping organise the event said a second GlennFest will run at The Joiners in Southampton on December 8.

Tickets cost £15 for adults and £5 for children. To book visit hangerfarm.co.uk and joiners.vticket.co.uk.