A promoter who has seen his music festival flop three times in a row has declared he "never wants to make a profit".

Matt Nichols, organiser of Redfest, made the claim after announcing an initial line-up on Monday for his fourth attempt at the festival, which this year is planned for July 25 and 26.

After ploughing tens of thousands of pounds of his own money into previous Redfests in July 2007 and August 2008, Mr Nichols has declared that this summer's event will be free to attend.

He said: "I haven't made a profit from any of the previous festivals, and, to be honest, I never want to make a profit.

"I want Redfest to become one of those small, independent festivals that is free to everyone, like Glastonbury when it started.

"There is no point having another festival that costs £100 to get in.

"The real buzz for me is when we can help launch up-and-coming acts, like Newton Faulkner the other year."

Mr Nichols refuted suggestions that the Redfest brand has been tarnished by previous attempts to get it off the ground.

Just a couple of hundred revellers attended the festival's launch at Robins Cook Farm, South Nutfield, in July 2007.

A second attempt in June last year was cancelled due to "very disappointing ticket sales". The third attempt, in August, proved to be a washout with heavy rain keeping the crowds away.

Despite its ill-fated history, Mr Nichols is adamant he will ignore any critics and pursue his dream.

He added: "Musically, I think our festival has always done really well.

"However, any criticism that Redfest has received about its organisation I have just had to take on board.

"But there is no way it would stop me from trying to make this a success."

Organisers are looking for sponsors to help fund Redfest 2009.

There will be a main stage, a stage for local bands and an acoustic tent at next summer's event, where organisers hope to have around 60 live acts.

For more information visit www.redfest.co.uk

Newton Faulkner goes back to his roots at homecoming gig – see page 10