ORGANISERS of a blues festival that is raising money for Julia's House were shocked when a large banner was taken from a farmer's field.

Rick Kibby, who is helping to arrange the Saddleback Blues Festival at Devizes Sports Club on July 8 and farmer Tim Carson were both upset that the poster has gone missing.

Mr Kibby said: "We have a bit of a mystery on our hands. Last week we put up a big banner on Tim Carson's land at the crossroads at Alton Barnes where there were also ones for Marden village fete and one for open gardens.

"Mysteriously, apparently all three have been taken down and the word is that they have been destroyed. Apart from the £75 cost for our banner somebody has taken it on board to get rid of them."

But Mr Kibby and his team are not letting the banner disappearance hamper their bid to sell as many tickets as possible for the festival which will run from 11am to 11pm.

Acts include The Boom Band featuring Jon Amor, Jo Harman, Lisa Mills, Elles Bailey and Blue Dog.

The first Saddleback Blues Festival has been organised by Devizes Rugby Club and Devizes Sports Club with support from the cricket and tennis clubs.

Money will go to Devizes Sports Club, Devizes Rugby Club and mental health charity CAREIF as well as Julia’s House. Tickets cost £25 or £60 for a family. Go to http://www.saddlebackbluesfestival.co.uk/