One of the island’s up-and-coming musicians is bringing together some of his favourite local groups for a festival.

The Livestock festival takes place at Ballahick Farm, Ballasalla, on Saturday, March 23, and is the brainchild of singer songwriter Hamish Faragher.

He has put together a line up of top groups, including Dusty Plankton, Sunset Jets, Chris Grey, Mae Chalis, Mad Daddy and the Tides, and has also employed his artist mother, Helen Faragher, to create a series of eye-catching sculptures to fill the festival area with colourful and creative designs.

Hamish, who is donating half of the money raised to Hospice Isle of Man, said it has been his ambition to hold his own festival.

’It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a while to be honest,’ said Hamish. ’I used to have a few parties here but I thought I could do something bigger and for a good cause.

’There was also the amazing Tannyfest charity festival that was held here a few years back and that was awesome. So it would be a shame not to take advantage of this great venue we have here.

’We’ve got some fantastic acts lined up for the night.

’These are all acts I’ve really enjoyed watching over the past few years and I’m positive everyone will love them, if they don’t already.

’I’m really excited because there’s such a vast range of music for the night.

’I just wish I was able to get all the bands we love but I had to choose just a few. Maybe we can save them for a later date.

He added: ’The sculptures are looking absolutely wicked. Without giving too much away, my mum has been getting weirdly creative.

’Some of the sculptures have included a ladder and a lot of bright paper. You had best bring your sunglasses!’

Hospice Isle of Man is a cause close to his heart.

His grandmother, Nadene Crowther, is one of the original founding members of the charity, and he said that a family friend was recently a patient there.

’I’m very close with my nana and she’s always spoken so proudly of the Hospice,’ he said.

’That’s my main connection with Hospice, but we also recently had a very close family friend go into Hospice after being diagnosed with cancer and they were absolutely brilliant for him. Sadly we lost him a short while back.

’I’m aware of the time and money that goes into the Hospice, so I just want to bring everyone together for a great time and as a result, contribute to this amazing organisation.’

Tickets are £10, available through the Livestock festival Facebook page.

The event begins from 4pm, and there are refreshments available.

by Mike Wade

twitter:@iomnewspapers