THE longest ever running festival in Barrow is returning for its 11th year with plenty of local artists.

Croft Rock 2023 will take place on Sunday, May 28 at Crofters in Holbeck Park Avenue.

The festival will have two stages packed full of bands and solo artists.

Festival organisers are expecting 700 people to attend the event throughout the day.

The Dales, Orinoco, Waiting for Midnight, Big Trouble, Iron Horse, Ragazza, Dr. & The Sick Notes and The Bink will be performing in the main Zaccarini Stage.

In the Doghouse Stage there will be performances from Bobster, Spirit Unplugged, New Sass, Waldorf & Stalter, Jeorge Wilson, Leon Knight, Rus Edgar and Jack Dale.

The festival was organised for the first time in August 2012 after Mark Russel realised there were no events happening on the bank holiday weekend.

He said that since its first year the festival has 'grown.' 

"I chose Crofters pub because of the place they have got outside and the layout is great because it means I can get two stages at either end of the ground," he said.

"Making money for local charities has always been part of the festival. In the past every bit of profit has been donated to charities such as St. Mary's Hospice and Barrow Lifeboats.

"The bands are the ones who get to decide after the event which charities to donate the money to."

Besides live music, the festival will have food available.

The event will start at 12pm and finish at 9pm.

Tickets are only available behind the bar at Crofters.

They cost of £15 for adults, £10 for those between 13 and 17 and free for children under 12.

No tickets will be available on the day of the event.

Visit the Croft Rock Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/southlakeslive