Cumbria's music festivals boast years of history, a wide range of artists and a stunning backdrop in the heart of the Lake District.

But none of them can claim to have had the same humble beginnings as Party in the Valley.

In just three years, it has been transformed from a tiny pub event into a three-day festival in the Newlands Valley, near Keswick,

It is the brainchild of Ben Henderson and Mat Emery and will take place at the end of September. 

Mat moved to Keswick four years ago to co-manage the Swinside Inn, which is owned by Ben and his family, and has spent 20 years in the hotel and pub trade.

This is the first year of Party in the Valley in its current format and it began in 2012 as Oktoberfest.

Mat says: "When we first did it, it was a small beer festival in a pub car park with 100 to 200 people over the weekend.

"At the last Oktoberfest we were having 500 people but there was a limit of what we could do in the pub." 

As time went on the event became more influenced by bands.

Mat says: "I've always been exposed to music. In this part of the world there are some really great artists.

"One thing that spurred us on was the quality of the artists around here and the passion that really spurred us on to do this."

The pair decided that a festival would be a great way to showcase their talents and can now present something on a much larger scale than Oktoberfest.

He adds: "We made the decision to make it a music festival which has allowed us to keep the local theme and allows to get artists from all over the country. 

"It brings new people to the area and allows access to real, legitimate music. You don't get them in this sort of area. We are literally in the heart of the Lake District and developing natural music in this setting." 

Gentleman's Dub Club, Pikey Beats, Kazo and The Tribe are just some of the names lined up for Party in the Valley.

Mat has also found a way to keep his festival's carbon footprint to a minimum. 

Organisers will use recyclable materials on site and have been working with landowners and local people to ensure they make it the sustainable festival they want it to be.

Mat says: "We don't want to get too big. We're not Glastonbury.

"We're trying to make it accessible and family-friendly and for people to have a nice weekend."

Party in the Valley runs from Friday, September 25, to Sunday, September 27, and ticket prices start at £55.

For more information visit www.partyinthevalley.com and the ticket hotline is 08448 842920.