NORTH WILTS FESTIVAL: MOTOWN legend Edwin Starr arrived in Chippenham this week to check out the preparations for the North Wiltshire Festival 2002.

The singer is no stranger to Chippenham as a number of years ago he performed at Goldiggers nightclub.

He said he is really looking forward to appearing at the festival on Saturday night (July 27).

"It is a great opportunity to perform to a different audience," he said. "It is a chance to really show what we can do. I have been down to the park to see the stage and it looks a fantastic set up.

"I am confident the whole event is going to go really well. I am very excited by it."

Up to 100,000 people are expected to visit the gala event in Monkton Park until Sunday (July 28).

The biggest event of the weekend will be Starr's free concert on Saturday night. Featuring alongside the soul legend will be disco kings Heatwave and former Eurovision winner Katrina.

But the festival has something for all the family with a children's programme, advice for gardening enthusiasts and sports displays by North Wiltshire Leisure. There are also a number of trade stands.