Rock legends will be performing at a concert in All Cann-ings in a bid to raise more than £50,000 for cancer charities.

The star-studded event on May 26 will feature The Sweet, The Wurzels, The Strawbs, The Dave Kelly Blues Band, the SAS Band plus other stars to be confirmed.

The concert has been organised by John Callis, of Beechingstoke, who is a sound engineer for Sir Paul McCartney, and Richard Baulu, landlord of the Kings Arms pub in All Cannings.

The idea came about when Mr Callis and Andy Scott, guitarist with The Sweet and who lives in All Cannings, were both undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at hospitals in Bristol two years ago. Both were successfully treated and they have called upon their friends in the music industry to take part in the concert.

The concert will be held in a field at the back of the Kings Arms and last all day and into the evening. The event will aim to raise £50,000 for Cancer Research UK and make a substantial donation to Above & Beyond, the charity that raises funds for all Bristol’s nine central hospitals. In addition, a donation will be made towards new playground equipment in All Cannings.

Mr Baulu said: “It will be great entertainment for people. To get something of this quality in this village is quite incredible. We have got a good cross-section of stars who will be performing.”

Mr Callis, 52, said: “I think the locals will love it. We want it to be a real fun event. If people go away thinking ‘wow’ then they are getting definite value for money.”

The Sweet have recently returned from performing in Australia and do not perform much in England and Mr Scott, 62, said: “It will be interesting to do this. I used to play in the tent for the Pewsey Carnival rock nights behind the Coopers Arms so I am looking forward to it.”

He added: “Both John and I had treatment at Bristol. No matter how good the NHS is, it is still reliant on donations. One day you may need treatment. I have been very, very lucky. I had high dosage radiation and I am getting zero readings when I go for check ups.”

The concert has advance tickets only and prices are £42.50 for adults, £25 for under-14s and £250 for VIP tickets.

They are available from the Kings Arms, Wadworth Brewery in Devizes and Sound Knowledge, Hughenden Yard, Marlborough.