THE ninth annual Waverly Park Beer, Music and Poetry Festival will take place in East Cowes this weekend.

The event, which is free to attend, will see some of the Isle of Wight’s top performers taking to the stage to entertain park visitors.

Proceeds from ale and cider sales will go to Isle of Wight Search and Rescue (Wight SAR).

Julian Adams, owner of Waverly Park, said: “This is the ninth instalment of the event, with the last five having been run entirely for charity.

“I am overwhelmed by the growth we have seen over those years and am so happy we can contribute to these good causes, which is something I’d always hoped to do.

“I want to express my gratitude towards the performers, none of whom are paid for their endeavours, and also to the many people who continue to donate.”

Both Julian and his friend Ben Johnson have been growing their beards for the past year, and will have them shaved off at 6.45pm on Saturday — with all donations added to the money raised for Wight SAR.

The festival will start at 7.15pm on Friday, with the final performance concluding at around 10pm on the Sunday.

There will be live music and spoken word performances from Superb Owl, Toca Bonito, Olly Fry, Kat Robin, Red Sqwrl and many more, plus comedy and magic by Huxley Hunt.