A ROCK band which has come all the way from Brazil is playing a free concert in Priory Park, Malvern, tonight (Friday).

The band, Ashtar, is described as a "blend of progressive, metal, folk and Celtic rock".

The concert is being staged by promoters Floating Lotus, who are urging as many people as possible to turn up and enjoy the event.

"It's a really great opportunity," said Alan Turnbull of Floating Lotus. "It's years since anything like this has happened in Priory Park."

The gig was only confirmed as going ahead on Monday, when Mr Turnbull learned that he would be granted the necessary liability insurance.

He and his fellow volunteers have been working hard this week to make the event happen.

The support band for the gig will be K'Aliens, Worcestershire's own Celtic rockers.

A marquee is being erected in the park for the bands to perform in, which will give some shelter in case of wet weather. Entry is free and it is hoped to have refreshments available.

Ashtar, which was formed in 1997, first came to England in May 2004, when they won the best new band award in the Classic Rock Society's annual awards.

The band's line-up includes Celtic instruments such as bagpipes, whistles and fiddles augmenting the usual rock instrumentation.