MELKSHAM’S Party in the Park is back this year, with top music acts, dancing and daredevil antics.

The annual festival, now in its 17th year, will take place on Saturday, July 16 at the King George V Park and will be headlined by T.Rex tribute band T.Rextasy.

English power pop rockers Dodgy will be special guests along with numerous other groups and stunt performers.

Fronted by Bolan look-alike/sound-alike, Danielz, T.Rextasy has been performing for more than 20 years.

“I was 13 when I saw T.Rex live, back in 1972,” said Danielz.

“I grew up with Marc Bolan and have listened to his music since. The real fascination was Marc’s music and thinking it would be great to perform like him. We play all the T.Rex hits and it is a loud show – a proper rock ‘n’ roll gig. It should be loud and fast.

“It will be as a T.Rex concert should be: flamboyant, glittery and loud.”

T.Rextasy was voted the UK’s number one tribute band in BBC1’s Battle of the Fantasy Bands and the group are the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan and T.Rex. The festival will also feature a Zumba demonstration and performances from Melksham’s Enigma Twirlers and the Chippenham Morris Men, as well as numerous stalls and attractions. Chair of Party in the Park, Tom Sangster, said: “Dodgy will play their hits from the 90s plus some outstanding new songs from their forthcoming album, due out in September.”

“Thrills are also guaranteed from two amazing daredevil arena acts. Firstly, The Vander Wheel of Death. This amazing high act sees artistes perform acrobatics inside and outside spinning circular open-ended cages fixed to a nine-metre steel structure that revolves around a central axis.

“Secondly, The Joseph Peace Fire Stunt Spectacular promises to be equally awe-inspiring. This highly original show blends amazing fire stunts with comedy and audience response.

“A series of flame-defying stunts will be performed, culminating in the grand finale that sees the stuntman jumping through a wall of fire on a BMX bike.”

Admission at the gates is £5 (16 years and above); half price for 11 to 15-year-olds and free for the under 11s. Visit www.melkshampartyinthepark.co.uk or the Facebook page Melksham Party In the Park.