SOME of the biggest names in music,politics and comedy will be in Devizes this summer as the area hosts three festivals that will attract visitors from across the country.

First up will be the Concert At The Kings at All Cannings, near Devizes, on May 26 will feature Billy Ocean who in the 1980s had a string of hits including Caribbean Queen made him the most popular British R & B singer-songwriter of his time.

Also in the line-up for the Rock Against Cancer at the Kings Arms pub will be Paul Carrack another great singer songwriter who has played with the likes of Squeeze, Mike and the Mechanics, Elton John, The Smiths and Ringo Starr.

Even those who don't immediately know his name will know the classic songs such as How Long. Mr Callis said: "I have been talking to Paul for a long time about coming to All Cannings and now he is finally coming. I am very pleased." Others on the bill will include The Stranglers, From The Jam, Animals and Friends and John Coghlan's Quo.

The following weekend will see the start of Devizes Arts Festival which will feature an eclectic mix of celebrities including former Shadow Home Secretary turned Big Brother contestant Ann Widdecombe who will get the event off to an interesting start on May 31. Also appearing will be rock legend Toyah who has a career spanning 35 years as a singer, actress and composer.

A festival spokesman said: "The first weekend of the Festival promises plenty of laughs with Edinburgh Fringe comedy from Paul Sinha, who began performing stand-up whilst working as a junior doctor. Shout Out To My Ex reflects on an eventful year in his life.

"Then on Sunday, 3 June, there’s a chance for music fans to hear the world's foremost solo virtuoso percussionist Evelyn Glennie, who has been profoundly deaf since the age of 12. It all adds up to a memorable start for the programme, which runs to Sunday, 17 June.

In July it will be the turn of Saddleback Music Festival which takes over where last year's inaugural Saddleback Blues Festival left off. It will beheld at Devizes Sports Club on July 14 and earlybird tickets are on sale until January 31 for the reduced price of £20.

After that tickets will cost £25 for adults with children under 13 free and £5 for those aged 13 to 18.

Bands playing include the Californian band Well Hung Heart, the Innes Sibun Band and local favourite Jon Amor,

Money raised will go to Julia's House children's hospice in Devizes and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

For more information and to book tickets go to the websites www.saddlebackmusicfestival.co.uk, www.concertatthekings.co.uk and www.devizesartsfestival.org.uk