A SUPER Saturday will help a festival to mark a special anniversary.

This year sees Graig Aid celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Twenty years ago, a group of enthusiasts decided to organise a live music festival at the Three Pigeons in Graigfechan.

They had no money, no equipment and did not really know what they were taking on.

In true rock ‘n’ roll style, they stuck to their guns and formed what has become known as the Graig Aid music festival.

Over the years, they have been supported by a series of local bands who played for nothing, just for the love of performing live.

They were also helped by local businesses and colleagues who provided generators, lighting and all sorts of equipment.

A professional stage is provided at a bargain cost by WLX productions, who also provide lighting and sound equipment.

All profits from the events were donated to charity and over the years, more than £80,000 has been donated to local charities.

The festival has given five-figure sums to St Kentigern Hospice, Hope House and Nightingale House, together with donations to Zoe's Place (a children’s hospice).

Graig Aid has also supported a host of music-related charities and provided a defibrillator for Graigfechan.

“We wanted to do something special to celebrate our 20th, so we have decided to have a Super Saturday event with a total of four headline bands,” said Peter Jones, the chairman of the organising committee.

“We listened to the views of our audiences and there was massive enthusiasm for Yubaba, Skariad, Sidewinder and Martin Peters, all of whom will be appearing in succession on Saturday night.

“We have also concentrated on providing brilliant bands for the whole of the event. Any number of bands could headline for us as they have been so good to us over the years.

"The Fortune Sellers, Mandola Hangover, Fuscia Jones, the Leve Breaks and Q-dos have all agreed to play for us and join our celebrations.”

In addition, the Saturday afternoon will see the multi-award winning Ruthin Panto Society performing “Grease” in full costume to add to the colour of the event.

The festival starts at 6pm on Friday, July 19 and 1pm on Saturday, July 20.

For the whole of Saturday from 1pm, the ticket price is only £10 for a total of 10 bands plus supporting acts.

Parking and camping overnight is available, and for details of the full line-up, see www.graigaid.com