ALL ROADS will lead to Okehampton on Spring Bank Holiday weekend when it is hoped the largest music festival Devon and Cornwall has ever seen will be staged to lift the spirits and economy of an area devastated by the foot and mouth crisis.

It was revealed this week that major stars from the music world are being approached to appear in the aid concert which will help to get a desperate community get back on its feet.

With financial backing secured from a private source to part-fund the festival, the wheels are in motion to put on a truly spectacular event which is expected to attract thousands of people.

The beautiful backdrop of Simmons Park will play host to the event and the town will be buzzing with entertainment from the evening of Friday May 25 to Sunday May 27.

The festival will be entitled 'First Aid' because it is the first event of its kind and because it will see charity start at home.

Chamber of trade chairman Ian Bailey said the festival was 'for the lifeblood of the community' and this would be used as a strapline on all promotional material.

'This will be the kick-start to the local economy that has been needed since the start of the foot and mouth crisis,' he said. 'Local shopkeepers have lost anything between 10 and 70 per cent of their trade and accommodation providers have lost up to 100 per cent.

'There is no cheque coming through the door of ailing businesses from the Government so in Okehampton we are taking the lead and helping ourselves.'

The festival is all about lifting the profile of the town and the district which is one of the areas in the country worst hit by the foot and mouth crisis.

A charity has been set up and, with marketing experts on board, Mr Bailey is confident the team can pull it off in six weeks.

'If Bob Geldof can organise Live Aid in a matter of a few weeks then we can do this,' he said. 'There was never a more crucial time for an event of this magnitude. The community is desperate and as well as helping the economy we will be lifting the spirits of the people who live here.'

Parking facilities for car and coaches to cater for the influx of visitors are being organised and negotiations are taking place to lay on trains from Exeter.

Donations of equipment to put on an event of this size are being sought from national companies.

A hotline will be set up from April 12 for enquiries on the festival — the number will be 01837 54331.

'This is a chance for Okehampton to shine,' said Mr Bailey. 'We want the accommodation-providers booked up and caravan and campsites full again.

'Okehampton is the place to be on Spring Bank Holiday weekend and we will welcome visitors from every corner of the country with open arms.'