THE TINY Welsh village of Raglan, in the middle of Monmouthshire, will host one of rock's biggest stars in June as part of an annual music festival that is attracting fans from around the world. Martin Turner, the definitive voice, creative force and founding member of British rock legends Wishbone Ash, will headline this year's Raglan Music Festival, which in just two years has grown to become a recognised part of the Welsh music calendar. Launched in 2005 the popular three-day music event has won fans from as far a field as Scotland, England and even mainland Europe. Most concerts are free and all money raised is used to fund future festivals and music in the local community. This year's festival opens on June 9, and as ever organisers have had to use their imaginations to find suitable venues in the quaint village for acts to perform in. They include a pub, a church and even a medieval castle. Other highlights include performances by BBC National Orchestra of Wales flutist Catherine Handley, ska giants The Big who also play at this year's Glastonbury Festival, and the rousing Blaenavon Male Voice Choir who will become the first act to perform an open-air concert at Raglan Castle. Some more interesting performances on the bill include traditional hand bell ringing and sultry Jazz on the Terrace. In total more than 30 bands, musicians and singers will perform at the annual community event, though the appearance of Wishbone Ash legend Martin Turner is a real coup for organisers. Turner formed the band in the late 60s, and they went on to release a string of timeless rock classics including their groundbreaking self-entitled debut and follow-ups Pilgrimage and Argus. In 1969 they played their first gig at a hall in Dunstable – they were paid just £5. Twelve months later they signed to MCA Records, after being recommended by Deep Purple, for $250,000. They were quickly hailed as the Best New Band by influential music bible Melody Maker. More than 30 years on the band remains one of the most endearing rock forces of the 70s, and their albums remain strong sellers around the world, proving an inspiration for a generation of guitar players. As well as being able to listen to a feast of music, festival-goers who fancy bringing along their own instruments can enjoy performing in one of the open jam sessions, while a series of music workshops will be staged for budding young musicians to hone their talents. Festival committee member Charles Fountain said: "The festival is a wonderful community event for the people of Raglan and Monmouthshire to enjoy, though even to our own surprise we have had visitors from other parts of the UK and abroad too. "The festival itself is a not for profit, community event and is funded through a combination of ticket sales, sponsorship, grants and donations. Each evening climaxes with star-studded performances in the function room of the Beaufort Hotel. "We all believe this year's event is the most exciting yet and look forward to seeing such a gifted mixture of established stars and local musicians and singers performing." You can now book seats for this year's ticket-only concerts, including Martin Turner, at http://www.raglan">www.raglan- festival.org.
