THEY had 23 hit singles and dominated the charts in the 1960s — a member of Herman's Hermits will bring a taste of the decade back to Gunnislake at the village festival in two weeks' time.

The band, whose hits included 'I'm Into Something Good', 'Silhouettes' and 'Can't You Hear my Heartbeat' were one of the most successful groups in the world in the 60s and lead guitarist John Gaughan will take centre stage, telling his life story and singing the group's hits at the Crusade Fellowship Centre on festival day (August 9.)

The four days of fun will include a host of entertainment and activities for all ages. The festival kicks off on August 4 with free musical entertainment and a dazzling exhibition of the festival group of artists in the church hall.

Festival spokesperson Dorothy Kirk said: 'This is Gunnislake's tenth festival and it goes from strength to strength.

'In 2001 the community wanted to celebrate the regeneration of the village centre by doing something special and now it has become a part of village life.

'We all hope that in ten years' time it will still be going strong.'

Local historian John Snell will give a talk on 'A pocket history of the Tamar Valley' and there will be live music in the pubs, the Rising Sun, Tavistock Hotel, Cornish Inn and a family karaoke at the Buccaneer throughout the four-day event.

On August 6 local gardens will open to the public in aid of St Luke's Hospice. Maps and tickets will be at Gunnislake Post Office from August 2.

There is a local history exhibition in the public hall, which is a great place to meet up with old friends and share memories. On sale will be the extraordinary DVD of Gunnislake Festivals in the late 1930s and the early 1940s.

Festival fun on August 7 starts at midday with a children's fancy dress parade and a 'Florabunda' dance, led by Dartmoor Border Morris.

Gunnislake car park, closed to traffic, will be open to stalls, games, competitions, live local bands, and displays from West Country Falconry and Dartmoor Border Morris.

Entertainment for children on the Orchard Green includes a professional clown, Punch and Judy, bouncy castle, mini funfair, face painting and more.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer or needs more information can call Gill on 01822 833752 or Dorothy on 832062 or to book a stall, ring Tom or Penny on 832441. The festival website is: http://www.gunnislakefestival.hey42.co.uk">www.gunnislakefestival.hey42.co.uk