TALKED about for months, with a few line-up changes along the way, this week finally sees the biggest local music festival of the year. In the arena of Wood Green Animal Shelters in Godmanchester, this year sees an additional day added to the fun, as on T

TALKED about for months, with a few line-up changes along the way, this week finally sees the biggest local music festival of the year.

In the arena of Wood Green Animal Shelters in Godmanchester, this year sees an additional day added to the fun, as on Thursday young rockschool Rocktech take over the festival for their end- of-week concert.

As I write this, the young musicians, who met last weekend, will be quickly putting a set and band together in time for tomorrow's performance at the festival.

The standard of young musicians is forever frightening as they seem to be progressing quickly every year, and coupled with the quality of tuition at Rocktech should make this a very worthwhile event in its own right to attend.

On Friday, the festival will be opened by Almost Famous favourites After4, who will be promoting their new EP, 4 Play.

Friday afternoon's entertainment includes Helium Soul, Who's Next (the much acclaimed Who tribute band) and singer/songwriter Danny Bryant adding to the joy.

Three very established bands then take to the stage: Eddie and the Hotrods, The Hamsters, and headliner Wilko Johnson (featuring the legendary Norman Watt-Roy on bass).

Saturday sees another fine mix of entertainment, Respond from Peterborough, who won the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Audio Files contest to open the event, appear with Morph, Litmus, The Soul Kitchen and Innes Siburn taking the crowds into the evening.

Larry Miller, Medicine Hat - in what is rumoured to be their last gig - and Deborah Bonham all take to the stage, before the legendary Blockheads perform. Headlining Saturday will be the thirtieth anniversary reunion of Frankie Miller's Full House.

A more classic rock feel hits Sunday, with Split Whiskers opening the day, followed by The Fondas, Chapterxiii, Ellenby, UXL, and the newly formed E-Zee Band. Local ska favourites Big 10 will then be playing, followed by David Fisher, John Otway, Bluehorses, and headliners Mostly Autumn.

INFORMATION: Rockinbeerfest August 17-20. Ticket line: 0845 299 0845

RICHARD PAUL