WHY go to Edinburgh for a festival when there is one on your doorstep? That's the message going out from Broadhempston where villagers are hosting the fifth Broadfest musical extravaganza next weekend (July 17 and 18).

The range of music has been extended this year to include big band to bop; jazz to jive; choral to swing and salsa to soul — not to mention drumming workshops for children.

Big Band Sounds presented by Herbie Flowers and Friends will open the event at the village church on Friday, July 17 at 7.30pm.

Just across the street, in the village hall, there will be late night jazz from 10pm until 1am.

On Saturday, July 18 the action moves to the Headlands playing field with a picnic concert from noon to 3pm featuring the KEVICC Big Band, drumming workshops and singing by Glorious Chorus.

As soon as the music dies down cricketers will take to the field with Broadhempston playing a team from London in memory of Peter Fear, a man of many talents who moved from the metropolis to the village.

In the evening there will be a party in a marquee with local food, ales and cider.

It begins at 8pm with music by Maggie Reed and her Soul band.

All proceeds will go to village charities.

Tickets for all the events can be obtained from the village shop and tourist information centres.

For further information call Anna on 01803 812 426.