MUSIC fans are expected to flock to Ealing borough on Saturday, May 12, to hear more than 90 bands performing at 15 different venues in The Hanwell Hootie festival.

There are three huge outdoor stages, including Viaduct Meadow, which will now have an expanded capacity of 5,000. But what makes the Hootie so special is that, for one day, music takes over the whole community.

Nine Hanwell pubs, a school and even a church also open their doors to host a mix of emerging and established bands.

And, if you don't fancy walking between the venues, the free bus will transport you around.

For the first time this year, the popular Bearcat comedy club will be running a musical comedy stage, headlined by Rich Hall.

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The Hootie wouldn't be possible without its army of volunteers and there's still an opportunity to get involved. Contact the volunteer co-ordinators by emailing volunteers@hanwellhootie.co.uk.

Each year, the Hootie has successfully built on Hanwell’s legacy as the birthplace of the mighty Marshall amplifier.

Jim Marshall, ‘the Father of Loud’, opened his first shop in Hanwell in 1962, helping to make Ealing the go-to destination for some of the greatest names in rock to rehearse.

Now it has grown in size and prestige, the organisers have been able to focus on attracting bands that are making their mark on the music scene, inspired by the unique Marshall sound.

Andy McRobbie, Hootie director, said: “We thought it was important to focus primarily on the type of music the Marshall amp had a direct effect on, in all its wonderful forms!

“Not every band will be for everyone, but that’s the beauty of the festival. If you don’t like it, just walk five minutes to the next venue or to the next one and you will soon stumble across a band you will fall in love with.”