A new music festival is aiming to raise cash to help care for sick children.

Titch Fest at Worstead this coming weekend features 20 bands all giving their services for free to buy equipment for the baby and children's surgery unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

The music in a marquee at the village's White Lady pub ill range from skiffle and country to blues and glam rock.

Head chef and manager Mark Thompson said the idea was prompted because he and co-organiser Paul 'Titch' Hagon discovered the hospital's needs at first hand.

Last June Paul's four-year-old son Andrew had major surgery to remove lung cysts discovered when he was still an unborn baby in the womb.

And Mr Thompson's nephew was born nephew was six weeks early.

They both wanted to do a charity event to help a fund providing equipment, training and research for the children's unit.

They contacted the N&N which is backing their efforts to help the Neonatal and Children's Surgery Fund.

'We could not afford £75,000 for incubators but we are hoping to raise a few thousand,' said Mr Thompson.

Mr Hagon, 46, from Lenwade, runs Rhythmic PA hire which provides sound and lighting equipment for music events, including the Worstead Festival and the recent successful North Walsham Live Aid event.

'Andrew is fine now, and starts school in September but we wanted to do a charity event for the hospital.'

Titch Fest begins on Friday night and runs through Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening.

The festival-style event in a 120ft marquee also includes bouncy castles, children's entertainment, a real ale festival, hot and cold food - and camping also available.

Mr Thompson said the marquee and costs had all be covered so all donations and fees for pitches and camping would go straight to the charity funds.

More information available from the pub on 01692 535391 or visit its website www.thewhitelady.co.uk

MUSIC TIMETABLE

Friday: From 7pm - Blind Tiger, Wicked Faith, Pout at the Devil

Saturday: From noon - Lou and the Diamonds, Big Pink, Buss Wood, The Yow Yows, The Ketts Hill Gang, Ultra Ego, Throb.

Sunday: From 1pm - The Bare Essentials, Ugly Dog Skiffle Band, Hayley Moyses Blue Grass Forum, The Time Travellers, Hot Smoke and Danger, The Grease Monkeys, Dirty Rotten Cash, and Big Black Cadillac.

(Smalltown Boy is the DJ and Uncle Razz the clown).