FESTIVAL-goers will be making their way to Morton Stanley Park this August for a chance to hear some of the latest up and coming performers and groups.

Morton Stanley Festival, on Saturday and Sunday, August 18 and 19, will see 40 performers gracing the stage over the two days alongside headline acts.

Following headline acts is never an easy task, but is one that seasoned performer Stuart Woolfenden is happy to take on.

He will be performing with a full band behind him on Saturday from 4pm after Matrix Club Matrix and Hazel O’Connor.

Up and coming star Stuart has recently had his new single Waste Your Time played twice on Amazing Radio by Jim Gellatly, national airplay with I've Seen It All which was handpicked by Tom Robinson for his BBC Introducing Mixtape on BBC Radio 6 and performed ahead of Ed Sheeran's sold out concert in Birmingham last year.

Following Stuart later on the Saturday evening will be Last Agony, an alternative metal band from Redditch, and festival favourites and Midlands-based cover band, Red Tails.

Also performing on the Saturday evening will be rock band Burn and Insomniacs.

Sunday afternoon will see a performance by Melinda Ortner, grand prize winner for MTV’s “Steal The Spotlight” contest, who has been writing and performing all over the world garnering attention with her sound that’s often compared to a mix of artists like Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Regina Spektor.

Performing later in the afternoon, before headline acts Elvis Fontentot and Hollie Vee and the HubKaps close the festival, will be Birmingham based band The Delta Rhythm, with a cross-breed of heart churning blues, head banging rock.

Councillor Mike Rouse, portfolio holder for leisure and cultural services, said: “This is just a taster of some incredible local acts. We are very lucky to have the Morton Stanley Festival where we are able to showcase local talent and provide opportunities for up-and-coming performers.

"Add this to the fun fair and tasty festival food and you've got a great day out with something for everyone.”

For more information on the festival, go to redditchbc.gov.uk.