DOCTOR and the Medics have been announced as the closing act on 'Rocking Saturday' at this year's Devauden Festival.

The band is best known for their Number 1 hit Spirit in the Sky which catapulted them into the top 10 with regular appearances on Top of Pops.

Since then the group, still fronted by The Doctor and joined on vocals by Melissa Weeks, have continued to tour and have developed a reputation as a great live act.

The Doctor said: "Festivals are the lifeblood of the Medics. They encapsulate everything we love. Getting people together to celebrate music and the British summertime is a magical formula and the ripples of happiness spread far beyond the festival boundaries and long after the weekend. We are really looking forward to our first appearance at the Devauden Festival especially as our first single for quarter of a century will be released."

Festival director Jeremy Horton said: "It's amazing that this well known band has agreed to perform during the fifth festival. They will bring an exciting new dimension to the planned line-up."

Among the groups performing during 'Folk Friday' are Rusty Shackle, Sion Russel Jones, The Apple Tree Theory, Shimai and the Chepstow School Folk Group.

Rocking Saturday's line-up includes The Cradles, Junior Bill and the Scallies, The Blue Horizon, Fingertrap, Queenie May, Tobias Robertson. Remembering August, Climbing trees, John Mouse, Birdcage, the Battle of Band winners Tripwire, Hipicat, Macoustic, Beat Harlows, Serenata, Homes and Climbing Trees.

Band co-ordinator Scott McKeon, said: " I'm thrilled that so many groups are performing this year, it's going to be a non-stop music feast of brilliant entertainment."

The festival opens on Friday 15th May at 6pm until 10.30pm. Gates open on Saturday 16th at 10am with the Battle of the Bands contest starting at 11am. Children's events and the bands then continue until 10.30pm.

The ticket sales are being limited this year, to ensure the family atmosphere is maintained at this popular festival. With a range of tickets available including family tickets online from http://www.devaudenmu">www.devaudenmu

sicfest.com or from Devauden Green Shop.

Early bird tickets at a discounted price are on sale until Sunday 12th April.