Lichfield Fuse Festival returns to Beacon Park for it's 16th year this weekend.

A free family event, the festival was originally set up back in 2001 by Lichfield Arts with the aim of providing a live music event that was accessible to all.

These days Fuse has grown beyond its humble beginnings in a small tent near Stowe Pool into one of the largest free community events of its kind in Staffordshire. Now housed within Beacon Park, Fuse will offer three days of music across three stages featuring a mix of regional, national and Midlands-based music.

Although so much has changed, the core values and objective remain the same – the Lichfield Arts Fuse team continue to work hard to provide an opportunity for everyone to access a wide variety of live music and the arts. Despite funding pressures, Fuse remains a free entry event, something the team remains immensely proud of.

The eclectic and exciting programme, which runs from 7-9 July, reflects multiple genres, including indie, pop, gypsy folk, reggae, urban funk, punk, jazz, tribute and dance music.

There will also be a big top tent featuring family-friendly circus performances and workshops from the outstanding Panic Circus. A further dedicated workshop tent, The Imaginarium, will feature a workshop programme of activities, including an instrument-making session and kids recycled rave with London-based Junk Orchestra. There will also be a fully interactive sound garden.

Fuse will also be jam-packed with visual art projects, dance performances, pop-up music offerings, a wide range of food options, market area and fully stocked bar.

Playing on the Evolution Stage tomorrow are Born Again Beatles, People’s Republic Of Mercia and Pollen; while The Assist, Marquis Drive and Hanks play on the Momentum Stage.

On Saturday there'll be music from Matuki, The Tuts, China Shop Bull, Ed Geater, Elektric, The Bar Steward Sons Of Val Doonican and Zkeletonz on the Evolution Stage, followed on Sunday by Kissmet, Kioko and Bud Sugar.

On Saturday the Momentum Stage will feature Barbarellas Bang Bang, Harry & The Howlers, The Ellipsis, Folklaw, Bric-A-Brac and Black Thorn; followed on Sunday by Baraka, Hardwicke Circus, Catfish, The Skirr and The Soul Purpose.

For more details visit the Lichfield Fuse Festival website.