A BUMPER line-up of top bands are preparing for the Newt Beer Festival this year.

The festival, which takes place on July 8-9 in North Newton, is now just weeks away and is set to be another great event.

Folk/rock act The Outcast Band and Status Quo tribute Quo Incidence will be performing - but that is only the beginning of the musical treat for festivalgoers.

Accomplished AC/DC tribute band Hells Bells will be tearing up the stage at the festival on the Friday evening.

Get ready for a high-energy set packed with rock classics from the legendary outfit, including Back in Black, Highway to Hell and other top tunes.

The band have played all over the UK, Holland and Germany, and are now gearing up for the Newt Beer Festival.

Madness tribute act One Step Behind have be perfecting their performances since 1993.

At first they played low profile venues in their native London, but quickly progressed, and were invited to play larger and more prominent venues such as The Grand, The Venue, The Marquee and the Proms Party in Hyde Park.

Striving to match every detail of the original both musically and in appearance, the band are well known for their on-stage antics and an authentic 'nutty' atmosphere, which they will bring to the festival on the Saturday.

Other bands playing over the Newt weekend include The Boot Hill All Stars, The Koo Jacks, The Unfaithful and Kosmos King.

Now in its 20th year, the Newt Beer Festival still boasts more than 100 real ales, ciders and wine for ticket-holders, along with children's entertainment and hot food.

Tickets cost £16 for a day or £27 for the full weekend from Blackcat Records in Taunton.