RIVFEST is set to return in 2018 – but in the town centre and with a proposed crowd of 10,000 music lovers.

The festival's founder Ben Dunne has put in an application for an event licence to host the event in the shadow of the Town Hall on July 14.

RivFest launched at Priestley College in July 2016 in memory of River Reeves.

The Viola Beach guitarist, along with his bandmates Kris Leonard, Tom Lowe and Jack Dakin, and manager Craig Tarry died in a tragic crash in Sweden.

RivFest '18's line-up will be unveiled on February 13 to mark the second anniversary of their deaths.

Ben, who is River's dad, said: "This follows on from our successful festival this summer at Priestley College which saw Billy Bragg and Maximo Park headline.

"We will retain the family focus of the event with two stages including The Viola Beach Introducing stage and large family village."

All profits from the festival will go to the River Reeves Foundation which helps young people realise their dreams as musicians and performers through grants.

Ben, from Grappenhall Heys, added: "The festival profits will also enable us to deploy our double decker ‘rock bus’ which we are planning to get on the road by September 2018.

"The bus will have recording facilities and practice rooms to help young talented musicians, many from disadvantaged backgrounds make and record music and be inspired by the same creative process that would have taken Viola Beach to the top.

"Tickets for what must be the quickest growing festival in the UK will go on sale soon after the line-up is revealed in February.

"From 300 people in 2016 to 10,000 next year we are excited about what our foundation can achieve for young people. I’m not quite sure what River would have made of it all."

The plans mean that Warrington will see three music festivals in 2018. The other two are the Neighbourhood Weekender at Victoria Park on May 26 and 27 and Warrington Music Festival in the town centre on dates yet to be confirmed.