The best of the West will be turning up the volume in Whitehaven next weekend, with the return of the town's most ear-splitting annual event.

Monsters of West Cumbrian Rock returns to wreak havoc on The Solway Hall stage on Saturday February 18, with eight acts set to appear at this hugely popular charity all-dayer.

Now in its seventh year, it has grown to include the biggest local bands as well as some high-profile visiting guests, playing hard-hitting rock and metal over more than eight hours.

Internationally-renowned tribute band Megadeth UK top the bill, which also features the likes of Preston outfit Black Mamba, and Cumbrian favourites, such as Zero, Five and Dangerous, and Heartbreak Remedy.

Organiser Phil Rourke has brought his friend Mark Twiss on board this year as the event continues to expand.

"This year I've had a partner to work with Mark, who's helped organise the show, and the line-up this year can be described in one word - 'variety'.

"We have everything this year from covers and tribute bands doing the likes of Foo Fighters numbers, and huge Thin Lizzy and Megadeth shows, to unique entertainers like Black Mamba with their Spanish-influenced guitarwork, and crazy party animals like the Jailbird Junkies with their very own brand of American sleaze rock 'n' roll.

"There has been a subtle change to the line-up for the first time with the headliners and Black Mamba coming from outside the direct area to bring even more interest to the Cumbrian rock and metal fans, and it provides a fresh look to the show."

It is all for a good cause, with the bands giving up their time for free to help raise money for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, and it adds to the feel-good factor of the event.

The county, and West Cumbria in particular, is known for its strong rock music following, which is part of the reason that the event has been so well supported.

Phil continues: "There are rock fans and bands all over the country, but we have some excellent examples right here in Cumbria and it's a growing scene.

"There's a very varied rock scene that has appeal for everyone, and it's that variety that keeps it very healthy indeed with smaller gigs in town, and the festivals."

With many different styles - from heavy metal and hard rock, through to blues and rock 'n'roll - there will be plenty to pique the interest of fans of all kinds of live music.

And, as Mark points out, it has all the attraction of a festival, but with the benefit of it taking place indoors.

"We are really looking forward to the event," he says.

"Although hard work to organise, it will be great fun with a real rock party festival vibe and a great crowd.

"The Solway Hall gives us the perfect big stage and platform to showcase our local music talent and local rock bands - who are often made up of the very same rock fans.

"These bands go out of their way to keep us all tremendously entertained, they put 100 per cent effort into it, and it shows in the performance.

"Not only is this a chance to see all these great bands under one roof, it is also an opportunity to raise money for a good cause that is important to lot of people.

"Get yourself there, let your hair down and get entertained."

The event runs from 3pm until midnight, and tickets priced £10 are on sale from the Civic Hall box office in Whitehaven. All proceeds will be donated to charity.


Monsters of West Cumbrian Rock stage times:

Screaming Frank - 3.20pm

Zero - 4.20pm

Mingo's Locker - 5.20pm

Jailbird Junkies - 6.20pm

Heartbreak Remedy - 7.20pm

Five and Dangerous - 8.20pm

Black Mamba - 9.20pm

Megadeth UK - 10.30pm