A MUSIC festival which raised thousands of pounds is returning.

More than 500 people attended the inaugural V-Prest — a twist on the famous V Festival — and donated £3,000 to Bury Hospice.

Organisers hope this year’s event, being held on Good Friday, April 6, will be an even bigger hit.

Al Thomas, duty manager at the Longfield Suite, said: “The event was very successful land has established itself now. We hope to have more people attending and raise even more money.”

The event was inspired by the Glaston-Bury fundraiser, which sees scores of bands perform in venues across Bury each August bank holiday. It has raised £28,000 since it started four years ago.

V-Prest will see up to 40 bands performing in three Prestwich venues — The Railway And Naturalist and Rileys Pool And Snooker Club, both in Bury New Road, and Longfield Live.

Headlining will be Arctic Monkeys tribute band, Desert Monkeys, with Pink Floyd tribute, Manc Floyd, and Rolling Stones tribute, The Stones, also expected to play.

There will be many local bands playing original music, including indie, rock, punk, grunge, hip hop, reggae and acoustic sets.

The first bands are expected to play at 1pm and the festival will continue throughout the day, with a DJ playing until the early hours. Admission is via a wristband costing £5, which will guarantee entry to all venues during the day.

Visit the V-Prest 2012 event page on Facebook.

l Anyone able to donate raffle prizes can contact him Mr Thomas at the Longfield Suite on 0161 253 7227.