GET your platforms and flares at the ready because Roy Wood is coming to town and Okehampton is poised for one of its biggest ever nights of quality entertainment.
He's loud, he's colourful and he's a musical genius — and for one night only he is set to raise the roof at Okehampton Sports Hall on the penultimate day of Okehampton Arts and Music Festival.
Festival organisers say it is major coup to get a performer of Roy Wood's calibre here in Okehampton and are predicting a sell-out on Friday.
'The sports hall can cater for 600 people and my message to locals is this is something you cannot afford to miss,' said chairman Alan King
'Performers like Roy Wood and the English Symphony Orchestra last year do not come here every week — we are privileged and it is going to be one heck of a show.'
For the ticket price of £12, concert-goers will not only get an evening of Roy, but also his 13-piece band.
'The sound is going to be enormous and Roy Wood is such a flamboyant character and fantastic musician that we want everybody to experience this wonderful opportunity,' added Alan.
'He will be playing all the old favourites like "Blackberry Way" and "Flowers in the Rain", but people of all ages will enjoy the show — as long as you like it loud!'
The performer will be supported by well known local act Hannah and the Madding Crowd, who have previously appeared at Glastonbury.
As well as Friday night's big event, still to come during arts week is the TSW Film and TV Archive tonight (Thursday) at the Charter Hall which gives a taste of life in Okehampton and the Westcountry as a whole, showing excerpts of local events and anecdotal footage. This will be combined with an exhibition of local photographs.
The finale of the week is the Party in the Park on Saturday from 4pm which is a free event, but all donations are welcome. Entertainment on offer ranges from tamla motown to rhythm and blues, swing, jazz and Zimbabwean rhythm.
'From Friday night onwards, it's a real chance for the people of Okehampton to let their hair down and the weather forecast for the weekend is gorgeous so don't miss out,' said Alan.
Tickets and information are available from the community office at Okehampton College on 01837 53800. Other ticket outlets are Donald's Menswear and Millennium Music.
l Okehampton Town Council has designated an area for barbecues in Simmons Park if people wish to set up their own on Saturday. The council is asking people not to barbecue on the grass area.