IN the wake of the festivals organised in Shrewton for the millennium and the Queen's golden jubilee, local landlord Tarkan Kisioglu and his business partner Roger Hughes are cooking up a third big event.

The music festival will be held at the recreation ground during the weekend of July 3 and 4, and will feature leading acoustic blues singer/songwriter Eric Bibb and Brighton-based acoustic band the Levellers.

Organisers say ticket sales have already started to take off for the event, which will benefit the recreation ground, the village Scouts and the pre-school group.

Eric Bibb, who has just been nominated by the Blues Foundation for two awards in this year's W C Handy Blues Awards, will perform on the Saturday, with a full supporting programme, followed by the Levellers on the Sunday.

Tarkan, landlord at the Plume of Feathers, in High Street, Shrewton, and Roger promise "lots to see and do" on both days, when the grounds will open at midday and stay open until 11pm, with attractions for the children as well as a well-stocked beer tent.

"It was decided to hold the festival at the rec, as it meant the whole village could benefit from it - not only charities but the local businesses as well," said Tarkan.

"The festival would not have been taking place but for the great committee that has been formed.

"They have been working very hard to meet all the requirements for the authorities. They have been co-operating with the police, the council, the fire department and the rec committee to make it a safe and great weekend."

Tickets are currently being sold at Logan Homecare, in Amesbury, at the Plume of Feathers and at Londis, in Shrewton, and at Pritchett's butchers, in Fish Row, Salisbury. Other points of sale are to be added, as the organisers aim to sell up to 2,000 tickets.

Tarkan and Roger said that, if the festival generated sufficient support and interest, it was hoped to make it a yearly event, with even bigger acts.

Tickets cost £20 per day, or £32 for both days if pre-booked, children under 12 at £10 per day or £12 for a weekend pass.

For more information, call 01980 620246, or visit www.shrewtonmusicfestival.co.uk.