BUTSERFEST – the UK’s biggest alcohol- and drug- free music festival – returns for its ninth year on Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield and Clanfield.

The headliners this year include Don Broco, Funeral for a Friend and Heck, and large crowds are expected.

With many festivals and venues increasing their lower age limit to 18, Butserfest is different in providing an opportunity for young people to experience world-class live music in a safe festival environment.

Butserfest, which is organised by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), has built a solid reputation as one of the best festivals of its kind in the country and the impressive line-up this year means it is set to be the best yet.

Leader of EHDC Cllr Ferris Cowper said: “Butserfest is a unique event which has become part of the calendar for our young people.

“I regard it as one of our great community achievements which is why the council continues to support it and help it grow. It’s amazing to think that the festival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year. Long may it continue.”

Music takes centre stage but festival-goers will also be able to enjoy free activities including skateboard simulator, zorbing, last man standing, base jump and many more, as well as a host of food and drink stalls.

The complete line-up is as follows:

The main stage: Don Broco, Funeral for a Friend, Hacktivist, The Xcerts, The Qemists, The Lounge Kittens, The One Hundred, Our Hollow Our Home, Boston Manor, Dirt, Waking Angel, and Cardinal Bay.

The Crossroads Stage: Heck (formerly known as Baby Godzilla), Fathoms, Zoax, Carcer City, Lock & Key, Create to Inspire, Shields, SHVPES, Portsmouth-based metalcore act Prolong The Agony, Networks, Lost Atlanta, Vanity Draws Blood, and Wars.

The Crossroads Stage is crewed by Southampton Solent University students who run the lighting, sound engineering and film the stage with support from lecturers and former students.

For up-and-coming performers, there is the Introducing Stage: Deference, Elements, Daniel Eagle, Flashfires, Zenthetix, Jack Howson, Forever in Depths, Eight 28, Just Millie, These Septic Stars, Forgotten Shores, Ella Davidson, Breathe in the Silence, and Petersfield group Nanking.

Nanking comprises Nick Gilbey, Kit Palmer, Tom Brailey and Kieran Murphy.

Kieran said: “We’re really excited to be playing there. It’ll be great to be on the same bill as a bunch of other amazing bands too.

“I think the best way to label us would be a mix of prog grunge and punk.

“We’re all looking forward to checking out Eight 28, The Lounge Kittens and Heck, let’s hope they absolutely smash it."

The gates to Butserfest open at 11am and the festival closes at 10pm.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £24.90 (with no booking fee) online from www.butserfest.co.uk/tickets, or £30 on the gate.

Tickets are available from venues including offices of Petersfield Town Council, Horndean Parish Council, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, The Petersfield School, Taro Centre, Petersfield, Alton Sports Centre, and at Bordon’s Mill Chase Leisure Centre and Phoenix Theatre.