SOME of Wycombe’s premier bands are gearing up for Frogfest - with organisers hoping to build on the success of last year’s inaugural event.

Hundreds of people descended on Frogmoor last May for nine hours of music and street entertainment at the launch of the first open-air live music festival in the town centre.

The festival – organised by the High Wycombe Business Improvement District Company in conjunction with Ruby Moon and Scorpios Bar – returns for its second outing on May 25.

Claire Billsborough, owner of Ruby Moon in Castle Street, said she was delighted with the response to the inaugural event and promises this year’s festival will get people dancing in the town centre once again.

She said: “It was fantastic to see all those people smiling, dancing and having a good time in the town centre, and all the children laughing as they took part in all the workshops and things – it was a great day.

“We didn’t want to be too ambitious last year and we’re going with that theme again this year but with the experience of doing it before.

“We want to solidify Frogfest as a big event for the town with the view to growing it and pulling in bands from further afield next year.”

The Ska Souls will headline the main stage - with other performers including HartBeats, Splash the Cash, Antix, Sam Brown’s Ukulele Orchestra and the Jackie Palmer Stage School.

Artists performing on the acoustic stage include Maz Manzini, Amir Sharma, Ant Barnes, Let there Be Light, Jack Kozera and Harry Quinn.

Children can watch Punch and Judy and Shambolic Sideshow showcase their circus skills, put their creative talents to work on a giant interactive art wall, take part in a bandana workshop and get their face painted.

Kitch Me Kwik will once again have their traditional teashop in operation and retro clothes on display alongside Ruby Moon’s stand.

Music fanatic Mrs Billsborough – who will again be blowing giant bubbles around Frogmoor from onboard a penny farthing – paid tribute to the team at HWBIDCo for turning her festival dream into a reality.

She said: “We were looking at doing this a few years ago but it didn’t get off the ground but now we have the BIDCo as the driving force behind it – it really wouldn’t happen without their backing.

“We can’t wait, we’ve got a great line-up and I’m just hoping for the sunshine, as it really promises to be a great day of entertainment.”

Frogfest kicks off at noon on Sunday, May 25.