The Gerry McNeice Band performs at this year's festival at the pub

Get your calendars out and put a big circle round two dates next year.

Lovers of beer and music can support two rescue organisations while enjoying themselves surrounded by some of the best Lake District mountain scenery.

The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel will host the biannual Langdale Charity Folk Festival, with cash raised going towards the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs and the Great North Air Ambulance Service, whose helicopters rescue many hillgoers each year.

The first festival, organised by husband and wife Dave and Maureen Reid, will take place in May, with an autumn reprise in September.

Dave Reid said: “We pride ourselves on putting together a varied programme of talented groups, duos and solo performers from all corners of the UK. Two weekends of brilliant music, a great range of real ales and the most beautiful scenery in the country.”

The festival has raised more than £35,000 for good causes since 2007. There are no tickets or admission charges but a chance to support the charities by buying raffle tickets and contributing to collection buckets.

Organisers and festival-goers, from left: Joe Boe, Dave Reid, Maureen Reid, Jim and Rhona Smith

Maureen Reid said: “All of the musicians perform for free and we could not do it without the support of so many. We help two vital services who play a big part in making this fantastic area a safer place for all of us.”

Mandy Drake, head of fundraising at GNAAS, said: “We would like to thank Dave and Maureen, the artists, volunteers, supporters and sponsors who are involved in this fantastic event. The money will be spent on keeping our Pride of Cumbria aircraft up in the air – the only air ambulance based in the county.”

The first festival will be held from 8 to 10 May, with the second taking place on 11 to 13 September.

More details are on the Langdale Charity Folk Festival website.