THE organisers of Oxfordshire’s best-loved new music festival are preparing to celebrate its resurrection with a sell-out weekend of bands, DJs and performing art.

And they are confident that even the weather won't spoil it.

Just over a year ago, music-lovers were shocked to learn that Truck Festival , which had taken place at Hill Farm, in Steventon, for 14 years had collapsed, a victim of the financial squeeze which has decimated the summer festival scene.

The weekend event had a reputation, not only for putting on top quality local, national and international bands, but for raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

This Friday the festival is back – after being rescued by the organisers of the successful Y-Not festival. And as well as laying on a packed weekend of bands, organisers are also prepared for the weather.

“The forecast is for a sunny weekend,” said new organiser Ralph Broadbent.

“And the site is looking good, with no mud. “In fact, in all the previous 14 years that Truck has been held, there has never been a significant mud problem – apart from 2007 when the whole of Steventon was flooded – and this summer doesn’t compare to that.

“It’s going to be a good weekend.”

Should the weather take a turn for the worse, organisers are well prepared, with track matting for vehicles and absorbent woodchips to scatter at entrances.

Most tickets for the 5,000-capacity event have already been sold, with festival-goers attracted by the strong line-up, which includes Mystery Jets, The Temper Trap, British Sea Power, Fixers, Guillemots, The Low Anthem and comedian Tim Minchin, and the traditional attractions of a quirky weekend in the country, where the food is served by Didcot Rotary Club and ice cream is sold by the vicar for church funds.

“We have taken on a festival that people know and love, and with a long history, and we want to make sure people have a brilliant time,” says Ralph.

“We have got a fantastic line-up with some massive names and are all looking forward to it.

“Truck is really going from strength to strength – and is here to stay.”

Truck festival takes place on Friday and Saturday.

See tomorrow’s Guide in the Oxford Mail for a full Truck preview and interview with headliners the Temper Trap.