AFTER launching to critical acclaim last year, Offset Festival returns to Hainault Forest Country Park in September with garage rockers The Horrors and post-punk group The Slits on the bill. OK, it may not be as big as V or Glastonbury, but it is, literal

AFTER launching to critical acclaim last year, Offset Festival returns to Hainault Forest Country Park in September with garage rockers The Horrors and post-punk group The Slits on the bill.

OK, it may not be as big as V or Glastonbury, but it is, literally, on our doorstep. Which makes it an ideal introduction to the festival experience, and perfect for those who feel just a bit too old, or sensible, to do the camping in the mud thing anymore.

Offset's mission is to join the dots between the best new bands and their influences. It boasts eight stages and 200 artists.

The Horrors, a five-piece hailing from Southend, will draw upon their critically acclaimed new album, Primary Colours.

The Slits were formed in 1976, supported The Clash on their 1977 White Riot tour and broke up in 1982. Original members Ari Up and Tessa Pollitt hired re-formed the band, with some new additions in 2005, and now features Hollie Cook, daughter of former Sex Pistol Paul Cook.

Pioneering punk-funk band A Certain Ratio - Factory Records' second-ever signing - are also on the bill, along with Welsh alternative group Future of the Left.

Hardcore pioneers Rolo Tomassi are in, as well as Sheffield quartet Holy State and Factory Floor, who are supporting The Horrors throughout the summer.

DJs will include Douglas Hart, from Jesus and Mary Chain, plus guests from the UK's most innovative and exciting club nights.

After an incredible debut in 2008, Offset welcome back the Experimental Circle Club tent - from the founders of Southend's legendary Junk Club, a night that has spawned a long list of bands including The Horrors, These New Puritans, Neils Children and Ipso Facto.

The festival, on September 5 and 6, will also have clothing stalls and a funfair. Onsite camping is available. Earlybird tickets start at �45. More information at www.offsetfestival.co.uk