Rockers and poppers of all stripes are tuning up for the Balstock charity music festival next month – and so are the volunteers on whom the three days of fundraising rely.

The Comet: Some of the action at Balstock 2015.Some of the action at Balstock 2015. (Image: Archant)

Balstock, in which about 200 bands are set to rock out at 13 venues over the weekend of September 9 and 11, depends on a small army of bucket-shaking volunteers to bring in the public’s donations.

And Becky Miller, marking her sixth year in charge of the collections, has put out the call for new recruits to help make sure there are at least two volunteers at each venue.

“We require as many as possible,” said Becky.

“I like to have at least two volunteers shaking buckets at a time at each venue, so as you can imagine with 200 acts it is a lot to ask.

“All I ask is for an hour or more or people’s time to wander around the festival, shake a bucket and enjoy the variety of entertainment – I want everyone to enjoy our festival.

“It’s very rewarding being a volunteer, in all aspects of the festival. When it comes to collecting money, it’s wonderful to see how generous people are.”

The chosen charities this year are the Alzheimer’s Society – which will receive 50 per cent of the proceeds – and the Baldock Rotary Club’s Christmas lights, Weston Way Nursery School, Friends of Baldock Minibus Group, Green Shoots at Tapps Garden Centre and Buntsfest, each of which will get 10 per cent.

“Alzheimer’s is a charity close to so many hearts,and our local charities affect Baldock and its surroundings in so many ways,” said Becky.

“It’s great to help support those affected by cuts as well.”

If you think you could spare an hour or more to help out, you can let Becky know your availability at balstockvolunteers@hotmail.co.uk.

For more see balstock.com.