ONE of the North-East’s biggest music festivals is giving two charities its support this summer.

Hardwick Live Festival will return to Hardwick Hall Hotel, County Durham, from August 17 to August 18, with a line-up of acts including Manic Street Preachers, James, The Zutons, Lisa Stansfield and Ziggy Marley.

Organisers have revealed that the chosen charities which will benefit from this year’s event are the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust and the Angel Trust, which offer support to those in need in Darlington and County Durham.

Based in Spennymoor, the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust gives help and advice to people with cancer and their families, including coffee mornings, a therapy room and a wig bank for those who lose their hair during treatment.

Also receiving funding from the festival is the Angel Trust, which is backed by ambassadors including TV’s Scarlett Moffat.

The trust provides support and services to individuals and organisations by funding projects that promote good citizenship and enhance the community, along with helping to relieve financial hardships.

Hardwick Hall Hotel owner John Adamson said: “We are delighted to be in a position to give back to the community by supporting some very important local causes.

"Both of our chosen charities do amazing work for those in need and make a real difference in the lives of the people they help.

“Supporting charity work is something we are very passionate about and we hope that the proceeds from this year’s event will help the trusts to continue to create positive change in the region.”

Those set to take centre stage at the festival also include Stiff Little Fingers, Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge, Billy Bragg, The Sherlocks and The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club.

Tickets for this year’s Hardwick Live Festival are currently on sale at £55 for one day or £99 for both days.

Concessions are available for children and youngsters aged 13 to 17.

Camping and glamping options are also available.

To book tickets visit hardwicklive.co.uk