A SOUTH Lakeland music festival will feature a record number of bands this June.

Now in its fourth year, Cartmel Rocks is enjoying record support from over 20 bands.

Cartmel Rocks, also known as Joe and Connie Calling, is a culmination of a community coming together to offer support to the family of Joe and Connie Elson. 

Joe (7) and Connie (9) both suffer from MLD, a rare degenerative neurometabolic condition.   

Few children with this devastating condition survive to adolescence.

The event raises money for families who have children with life-limiting or terminal illnesses as well as to provide a lasting legacy for Joe and Connie.

The charity behind the event, Butterfly Hugs, are also excited to announce that renowned string group Blue Topaz will be performing at Cartmel Priory. 

Having performed at Wembley Stadium, Ronnie Scott’s and for Her Majesty the Queen, the group - who perform everything from Bach to the Black Eyed Peas - wanted to support the charity after being moved by Joe and Connie's story.  

"Being a mother myself, it was impossible not to be deeply affected by Joe and Connie's story" Anna Croad of Blue Topaz said. "There was no question that this was a charity we wanted to support."

David Hamer, a member of the organising committee, said:  "The support of the whole of Cartmel has been fantastic - there's already a real buzz around this year's event. 

"We're so appreciative to have Cartmel Racecourse involved, excited to see Cartmel Priory taking part, and with every pub in Cartmel acting as a venue for the bands, we're surely now Cumbria's No.1 rain-proof event!"

Joe and Connie Calling: Cartmel Rocks takes place on Saturday, June 9 from 1pm - 11pm at Cartmel's pubs, Cartmel Racecourse and Cartmel Priory. 

Blue Topaz will be performing in Cartmel Priory from 7pm - 8.15pm.

For more information, google ‘Cartmel Rocks’.