CHARITY music festival ThingamaGig is back and organisers say it’s going to be greater and on until later than last year’s event.

The second annual all-day musical feast, which takes place at the New White Hart, in Billericay High Street, on Saturday, is serving up 14 acts into the night.

“The music will go on until 10pm, as opposed to 6pm last year, so we have even more music,” says Pete Baker of Big Stinky Dog Promotions, who organise the event.

“It’s great to have a little festival in Billericay as it gives local bands a chance to promote their music.”

An eclectic mix of artists is promised at the festival and includes acoustic guitarist Stuart O’Connor, folk singers Claire Blackman and Georgia Strand, indie band the Shivers and reggae-influenced Ed Rome.

Proceeds from the event will go towards Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London, where two-year-old Harry Smith, of The Foxgloves, Billericay, was cared for before he died of leukaemia.

The organisers are offering a free CD, with a track from each of the artists performing, to the first 100 people through the doors.

“It’s a little memento that people can take away with them,” adds Pete.

The festival starts at 1pm. Tickets are £5 on the door.