SOME of the best names across world, folk, roots and contemporary music will be playing at this summer's Wychwood Music Festival.

The new event runs from Friday, June 3, to Sunday, June 5, at Cheltenham Racecourse and will give festival-goers the chance to explore the music and cultures of Africa, Ireland, Finland, Tunisia, Cuba, Poland, USA, Spain, Norway, Turkey and England.

Headlining the first night, Matthew Herbert's Plat du Jour takes an amusing and thought-provoking look at food, making music from it.

US giant Steve Earle takes to the stage as headliner for the Saturday night, fresh from his first Grammy win for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

And the last night sees a headline performance from counter-cultural country and western techno outlaw band Alabama 3. Other highlights include 23-year-old folk singer Jim Moray 4, Spanish phenomenon Radio Tarifa, the unique sound of The Earlies and the legendary Mory Kante.

There will also be other attractions, including a solar-powered cinema, and hands-on arts and crafts.

Organisers are also keen to hear from local bands, musicians as well as poets, storytellers, artists and comedians who would like to perform and be part of the first festival.

To find out more, e-mail info@wychwoodfestival.com

People can also get by volunteering as stewards, with benefits including free entry, free food and being part

of Wychwood's growing team of

volunteers.

More information can be found at http://www.wychwoodfestival.com/

site_stewards.php

Festival tickets are available by visiting: www.wychwoodfestival.com or via Cheltenham Box Office on 01242 227979.