A BRAVE four-year-old who was born with a rare genetic condition will be the first good cause to benefit from the return of a village music festival.

Heditude returns to Hedinghams United Football Club’s ground, in Lawn Meadow, Sible Hedingham, this summer after a successful launch last year.

Tickets are now on sale and the organisers have announced the festival will be supporting Harry Pettifor and his family’s bid to raise funds for his ongoing medical treatment.

The youngster, who lives in the village, was born with the extremely rare Treacher Collins syndrome, which effects just one in 50,000 live births, leaving him with a narrow airway and small chin so he must breathe through a tube in his neck.

His family has been raising money to help pay for his expensive medical needs and this year festival-goers will be helping to support Harry, who faces many future surgeries.

On the family’s fundraising page, mum Samantha Gifford said: “Harry requires medical care 24/7, clinical appointments at various different hospitals and medical equipment and supplies to care for his needs.

“Although he has been through so much already and we have nearly lost him numerous times, he still fights and remains our happy little boy despite his tough journey ahead of him.

“We are so proud of all that he has achieved already and is proving to be a very bright, amusing and mischievous little boy.

“We want what is best for Harry and we wouldn’t be where we are today without your generous donations and kind words of encouragement.”

Last year’s Heditude raised £1,100 for Hedinghams United Football Club and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

So far, 11 bands have been confirmed to perform at the festival in 2019, including alt-country four-piece The Outside Chancers, mandolin player Aberrant Dabbler and the Green Brothers.

Organisers have promised there will also be more food, drink and children’s entertainment on offer compared to the festival’s first outing last year.

Heditude takes place on Saturday, June 8, from 11.30am to 9pm.

Earlybird discounted tickets have sold out, however full price tickets are now available from Hedingham Sports and Social Club, Darkins hardware store and online.

Tickets are priced at £10 per adult (£5 concessions). Under-12s go free of charge.

To find out more or book tickets, visit heditude.org.