A NATIONAL tribute touring festival is coming to York for the first time this year, giving five local bands the opportunity to perform on a big stage.

The York Fake Festival will be taking place on May 23 at Knavesmire and will feature tributes band for the Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys and U2 as part of a 32-date tour.

From the hundreds of applicants, Beth McCarthy, who appeared on series 3 of The Voice, Minister Conspiracy, Blind Eye, RSJ and A Joker’s Rage were successfully selected to play on the festival’s big stage.

Dave O’Hara, the festival licence holder for York Fake Festival, said: “For me, this event is about putting young local bands on the big stage and give them the chance to perform in their home town, something they do not get a chance to do very often.

“The whole event is centred around getting families out for the day, to enjoy some great shows at a reasonable price.

“There is plenty for both the kids and the parents to get involved with.”

The festival, which was launched eight years ago, aims to provide a cheaper and more family-orientated experience to festival-goers while enjoying hit-music and supporting local bands.

Tickets are £16 for an adults, £9 for young people between 10 and 17 years old and free for children under 10.

Each ticket bought provides a free access and a campsite entry to the Big Fake Festival, which will take place between September 4 and 6 at Thoresby Park in Nottinghamshire.