Weston-super-Mare will see part of the town centre taken over by a brand new music festival this summer, and an official launch party will be held at the end of this month.

Weston Mercury: HazyDaysHazyDays (Image: Archant)

Hazy Days is the brainchild of Mark Whitehouse and it will see local and international bands showcased throughout three days of performances in Grove Park and venues in Grove Village.

More than 100 acts applied to perform at the event, with The Leylines and the Lipinski brothers already confirmed for the line-up, and the rest to be announced.

A launch party will take place at the Imperial, in Waterloo Street, on January 30.

There will be live music and DJs from 8pm-1am and Mr Whitehouse said: “It is a great way to see what we are planning for the festival in its first year.

“Apart from a great night of music including some great young talent, we have Idle Hour, one of Weston’s premier bands, and some of the town’s top DJ’s playing through until the early hours.”

There will be a buffet and drinks and the chance to win VIP tickets to the festival.

Businesses are also being asked to sign up to sponsor the festival, in return for being featured across the site. Mr Whitehouse said: “For us to offer all the things planned, we need as many local businesses to get involved and help us raise the funds to make this the best festival it can be.”

Venues including Loves, Back Bar Cheers, Brit Bar, Vinnie’s and the New Market pub are already signed up to house acoustic musicians, rock bands, singer-songwriters and jazz players throughout the three-day festival, which will run from July 8-10.

The festival will be free but people can pay for VIP treatment throughout the weekend and the chance to meet their favourite bands.

Money made will be given to the Children’s Hospice South West and the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust.

For more information visit www.hazydaysfestival.co.uk or search Hazy Days Music & Arts Festival on Facebook.