Young musicians plan rock tribute to best friend ‘Bean’

His funeral was attended by several hundred people including some of the bands he followed. Bean's Friends also created a new band called "Bean's Bizkits" who cover songs from Bean's favourite bands. They proved so popular that the idea for the 'Bean Fest' was born.

The idea was supported heavily by Facebook users and a date for the festival has been set for Saturday July 24.

"Bean's Bizkits" have gone on to get good reviews after performing at several sell-out shows in town. The band's vocalist Philip Whitehead said: "I hope we are demonstrating a positive way of grieving to help other people if they find themselves in similar circumstances."

All proceeds from the event will go to Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, a charity chosen by Bean's parents Dorothy and Dennis Crook.

The festival is free of charge but fundraising will take place through voluntary donations/bucket collections on the day and an auction for specially donated prizes.

As well as Bean's Bizkits the line-up will include Monte Carlo $afe Crackers, Sporadic Slaughter and many more acts. As well as live music, the festival will also feature a comedian, hypnotist and DJs.

The festival will take place at The Star Inn (High Street, Rawmarsh) between noon and midnight. The live music will start at 12 noon and finishes around 9pm - each performance is scheduled to last around 30 minutes.

Donations and pledges are also welcome; these can be made via http://www.justgiving.com/beanfest