A slice of rock heaven and hell is coming to West Cumbria later this year at a new one-day festival.

Haven and Hell, at Whitehaven’s Recreation Ground, takes place on August 5.

Girlschool, Syteria, Diamond Head, Massive Wagons, Oliver/Dawson Saxon, the John Verity Band, Motorhead tribute Stone Deaf Forever, local rock legends Hammerhead, Stiff Little Fingers tribute Rigid Digits and the Sex P****d Dolls are on the bill, with special guests to be announced.

It has been organised by Andrew Sloan, John O’Brien and Steve Harper, in partnership with Whitehaven RLFC’s Peter Boyd.

Andrew says: “There appeared to be fewer local music festivals happening and we decided that we wanted to put something on.

“We were lucky that we’re now friends with Girlschool’s lead guitarist Jackie Chambers. She launched our charity New Year’s dip and played a gig on New Year’s Eve here. She came on board quickly, along with her side project Syteria.”

Andrew says they then thought about the rest of the line-up and who would complement Girlschool.

He adds: “I quickly looked at my own taste and went back to my Ritz and Slypt Disc days. That led to Diamond Head, who Metallica cite as a huge influence and the rest quickly followed.”

Diamond Head were formed in 1976 and are recognised as one of the leading members of the new wave of British heavy metal.

Oliver/Dawson Saxon was set up by former Saxon members Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson. Andrew says: “We’re thrilled to have them.”

But it’s not all about the heyday of heavy metal as also on the bill are Massive Wagons, the much-talked about young Lancashire five-piece who are appearing at Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow Festival this summer.

Andrew adds: “They are up-and-coming sensations but have a traditional feel about them and are a great addition to the line-up.”

Tickets are available from Whitehaven RLFC; Threads, King Street, Whitehaven; Alauna Vapour shops in Workington, Whitehaven, Maryport and Cockermouth; and Billy Bowman Music, in Cockermouth. Early bird tickets are available for £25, rising to £35 for a standard ticket nearer the event.

A limited number of VIP tickets, at £100 each, are available. Email havenandhell17@yahoo.co.uk for more information.