It's summer time again and, for live music fans of Fermanagh, that can mean only one thing - it's time for 'Rock the Lough'

Once again the hard working organisers are on their mission to raise funds for charity while, at the same time, providing the people of Enniskillen with a fabulous weekend of live music.

This year the team have nominated two local charities to benefit from this event - Macmillan Cancer Nurses and Riding for the Disabled (based at Killadeas).

Top total

This year the organisers are hoping to top last year's total which was in excess of £6,500.

This year will have a slight change to the theme as, in the weeks leading up to the main event, there will be a battle of the bands, the winners of which will play on the main stage on the Sunday (along with a cash prize of £500 sponsored by Guinness).

The heats will be decided by votes on the night with audience members paying a small subscription for a ballot paper - after all 'Rock the Lough' is about raising money for charity.

Saturday 25th August will feature a variety of artists playing The Diamond in Enniskillen including Niall Dooris and Nice 'n' Sleezy.

This is followed on the Bank Holiday Sunday 26th August by the main event in The Bush Bar. The Bush will, as always, have two stages in operation with music starting at 2:00pm sharp and continuing until the wee hours.

Solo

Any bands or solo performers who want to enter battle of the bands can either go to www.rockthelough.com to download an application form or call 07971 44 88 02 (24 hour answering machine)

So, mark your diary, put a note on your wall planner or set a reminder on your phone because this August bank holiday we are going to see the biggest and best Rock the Lough ever and I for one wouldn't want to miss it. See you there.