REDDITCH is gearing up for the return of a music-filled commemoration for its famous son John Bonham this weekend.

John Bonham: A Celebration II takes place on Saturday and returns in 2021 bigger than ever, thanks to the addition of a fringe cultural festival in Church Green.

Fans can expect rock and blues artists taking to the open air Arena Redditch stage in the town centre throughout the day and two headliner shows at the Palace Theatre.

Money raised from the shows will be donated to the Teenager Cancer Trust in the West Midlands to help their vital work.

The weekend first launched in 2018 in honour of the iconic Led Zeppelin drummer, with fans flocking from around the world.

The event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but is back in a new and bigger format.

Ros Sidway, director of the festival, said: "John has got a reverence in the hearts and minds of people here. There's still many people in Redditch who went to school with him are who drank with him in the pub.

"We're so pleased to have the festival back on and give people the opportunity to come out and have a great day. We're thankful to all our sponsors after a difficult 18 months for businesses, we're really pleased to have their support."

The festival will run from 10.30am – 6pm on and around the Church Green and will feature local performers, a fun fair, street food vendors and traders.

Respected names from the rock world will take to the stage at the Palace Theatre for a matinee and evening performance, including top Led Zeppelin tribute band, CODA.

Meanwhile over at the Arena Redditch, a host of regional talent will perform on the open air stage located close to John’s memorial in Mercian Square.

Tickets for John Bonham A Celebration, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, are available online via www.JohnBonhamAC.com.

Theatre show tickets are also available from the Palace Box Office while Arena Redditch Tickets may also be purchased from Vintage Trax Records, off Church Green East.