ONE of the biggest yearly events in the Huntingdonshire music diary returns this Thursday – for four days of classic rock, and a little blues, a hint of ska and much more. The Cambridge Rock Festival, now in its fourth year, although the first with it s

ONE of the biggest yearly events in the Huntingdonshire music diary returns this Thursday - for four days of classic rock, and a little blues, a hint of ska and much more.

The Cambridge Rock Festival, now in its fourth year, although the first with it's new name (it was previously known as the Rockinbeerfest) features a typically strong line-up.

However, more than likely to steal the show will be Saturday's headliners, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, who will be performing songs from the Dark Side of the Moon album. The 11-piece band, who formed in 1998, have regularly been packing out arenas during their excessive touring schedule and their inclusion to this year's Cambridge Rock Festival is a clear indication that this festival is upping the stakes a little.

Other big names include classic rockers Thunder, Wishbone Ash and Nine Below Zero, and grand performances from last years favourites Hazel O'Connor and Deborah Bonham.

A first for this year will be the addition of two new stages - one being entitled the Get Ready To Rock Stage, which specialises in showcasing new acts. Acts performing on this stage include Sacred Heart, Peterborough-based quartet, Respond, and opening that stage on the Sunday will be St Ives' very own After4. The other new stage, the Mullet Boy Studios Stage, features established unsigned talent, including Cambridge favourites Moe Foe.

Other highlights at the festival include Big 10, Eddie and the Hotrods, Dr Feelgood, John Otway and acclaimed Thin Lizzy tribute band, Limehouse Lizzy. All in all, 67 bands will be performing in the indoor location at Wood Green Animal Shelters in Godmanchester across three stages, over what promises to be an incredibly eventful four days. Also expect craft stalls, a coffee shop, clothes and craft stalls and a collector's vinyl and CD fair. All the normal festival food (including vegetarian) is available, from Thai curry to a full roast on Sunday in the centre's own restaurant. This year's event has an even bigger selection of real ales, lagers, ciders, wines and spirits.

INFORMATION: Cambridge Rock Festival takes place August 16-19, at the Britten Arena,

The Kings Bush Centre, Godmanchester. Tickets available by calling 0845 299 0845. More information at www.rockinbeerfest.co.uk

RICHARD PAUL