OVER 40 bands will be hitting the stage at this summer's Mapp Fest music festival in Malvern Link.

Once again the Link Common is the venue for the event, which was founded by Andy Mapp as a way of recreating the spirit of the 70s and 80s rock festivals held at the same place.

But sadly this year's event will be the last organised by Mr Mapp himself, as poor health is forcing him to bow out.

Nonetheless, the programme for this year's event is as strong as ever, with the headlining act on Saturday, June 17, being Leader of Down, which was founded by former Motorhead guitarist Michael 'Wurzel' Burston.

Other acts performing during the two-day festival include Dogs of Santorini, Time of the Mouth, Massive Head Trauma and the Ray Mytton Band.

As will as the two main stages, there will be the Malvern Rocks stage, featuring hand-picked acts from around the area, and the acoustic tent, whose performers have been selected by Tone Tanner.

The RAF's Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will fly past on the Sunday, in keeping with a festival tradition which started several years ago with the Red Arrows flypast.

Mr Mapp said: "This will be my last year, due to ill health, but I'm sure our willing gang of volunteers will carry the festival on for future generations.

"Without their help and support it would never have grown from my little garden party into the best totally free independent music festival in the Midlands.

"All the financing for this year's event has been covered by a series of fundraisers over the year, so every single penny raised will go to the charities.

"Once again we have chosen Acorns Children's Hospice, St Richards Hospice and Community Action (Malvern) who are once again putting on a park-and-ride service from Victoria Park in Malvern Link, to help ease any parking concerns.

"I'm really pleased to say that [sound system company ] RMPA, whose proprietor Rick Bailey started his career at the original festival in 1977, have offered their services totally free of charge, therefore I can guarantee a much better sound for the event," said Mr Mapp.

And the festival will also benefit from two marquees which have been bought by local well wishers. "I am always amazed by people's generosity where the festival is concerned," said Mr Mapp.

And as well as the music, there will also be two bars, food stalls, children's rides, games and activities and much more.