Thousands expected at music festival in honour of Stephen Sutton

Around 5,000 people are expected to descend on the Thumbs up for Stephen Sutton mini festival which is being held at Burntwood Rugby Club on Saturday.

Organisers are hoping the event will raise more than £30,000 for the cancer charity and will honour the memory of the 19-year-old, from Burntwood.

Stephen died from cancer on May 14 after capturing the nation's imagination and raising millions of pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The festival has been organised by friends Kate Hadley, Amanda Mayling and Joanne Jarvis, all of whom live in Burntwood.

Local bands, including the Bon Jovi Experience, U2UK and The Assist, will take to the stage at the event, which is running from midday to midnight.

There will also be a bouncy castle, face painting, magician, stilt-walkers and a laser show.

Miss Hadley, aged 42, said she had met Stephen at a charity event for the Teenage Cancer Trust last year and the teenager had since been told about the plans for the festival.

She said: "It's all about our boy. He's Burntwood's hero.

"It's a festival for 5,000 people and the wristbands have been selling extremely well. We are not far off the 5,000 mark.2

Wristbands cost £8 for adults, £4 for children and £20 for a family of four in advance.

Prices on the door will be £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for a family of four.

For wristbands, call 07929 764663.