A MUSIC festival raising money for the National Autistic Society is taking place at the Crooked Billet in Stanford-Le-Hope.

The all day event called Danfest, which will feature face painting, stalls and bouncy castles to complement a string of live artists.

Essex band Trash Monroe, whose drummer, David Pankhurst is organising the event are headlining the festival.

David’s son, Daniel, has autism as does the step daughter of David’s Trash Monroe band mate.

Trash Monroe, who have graced top venues such as the O2 Islington Academy will play a 55 minute set to close the festival starting at 9.05pm.

They will follow the likes of other Thurrock based bands such as Bow Flats. Status Rocks, Kobain, Ethereal Fire and the Stanford Warriors, who will be performing a Ju Jitsu demonstration are also among the 13-strong line up.

Dookie, a Green Day cover band, will open proceedings. The event starts at 12pm and will finish at around 10pm on Saturday, July 20. Entry costs £5 on the door.

David said: “This will be the first time in many years, that I have put together an event like this. It has come about due to my son Daniel Pankhurst and fellow guitarist of TRASH MONROE's stepdaughter Evie Mosley having autism.

“The initial idea was to raise money for charity, but I also want to raise enough money to get an IPAD for both children to help them with their educational needs in school. My little Dan has a love for music so what better way than to have a load of bands?”

David has set up a Just Giving page for anyone who is unable to attend the festival but still wishes to donate to the National Autistic Society: http://www.justgiving.com/David-Pankhurst