WOODSTOCK is ready to rock out this weekend for a free festival in the town square.

About 3,000 people are expected to enjoy music from 18 bands in the Market Place on Saturday and Sunday.

They will cover a mix of genres, including folk, jazz, classical, reggae, ska and rock.

Organiser Chris Baylis, who will open the event on Saturday as guitarist in band tp and woodman, said: “We’re hoping for great music, crowds and atmosphere.

“It’s all about giving people in the town centre the chance to listen to music, including some they maybe wouldn’t usually listen to.

“We always try to put on a really eclectic mix of genres, with everything from a violin player who sings with voice effects to an 18-piece band to an acoustic duo.”

The event started nine years ago at The Marlborough Arms in Oxford Street but was moved to the town square in its third year.

It costs £3,000 to host and organisers raise funds from its pop-up festival bar.

Witney band Leader, formerly Million Faces, will headline on Saturday with pop-rock anthems and ska band The Inflatables top the bill on Sunday.

Performances take place from 1pm to 10pm each day, also including Cooper Black, KingB and Screaming Weazels. There will also be food stalls and festival menus from bars and restaurants in the town.

Nikki Loy, from Ickford, near Thame, will perform on Sunday for the fifth time.

She said: “I love playing there because it’s a really nice crowd, which grows throughout the afternoon.”

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