Bands, dancers and fans will be descending on Witney next week for the town's first ever music festival.

Dozens of artists, playing everything from hard rock to folk and jazz, will be playing at venues around the town - and all for free.

The week-long Witney Music Festival, which kicks off on Easter Monday and continues until the following Sunday, is a showcase of grass roots musical talent from across Witney and West Oxfordshire.

The event has been designed to appeal to those of all ages and of all musical tastes. So while rock acts get a big showing, there are also sessions dedicated to morris dancing, singer- songwriters, and 'open mic' spots, where plucky wannabes can show off their singing skills (or otherwise).

Among those appearing will be rock acts Peppermint Vandals, Tinkerscuss, Disappointed and Nuvola; funk from Barnyard Sounds; ska from Meatyard Brick; and jazz from the Tim Wilson Quartet.

Also appearing will be Bee and the Bear, Trumpton Social Club, Minwah, Big Bad Break- fast, The Penguin Disagrees, and We Are Reasonable People.

Venues include the Plough, Hollybush, Red Lion, Court Inn, Palace, Elm Tree, and music shop Rapture.

The event has been organised by former Witney Town councillor Paul Slammin, and music lover Stuart Foster.

It has been dedicated to the memory of Mr Foster's late sister Jo-Marie, who died in her sleep at the age of 21, in November 2005.

The festival will also include a screening of the cult musical Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John - which was Miss Foster's favourite film.

The showing takes place in the Corn Exchange on Saturday, April 14, at 6.30pm.

Mr Slammin said: "We thought Witney deserved a music festival.

"It has a lively local music scene and is well suited to this kind of event.

"It is aimed at all members of the community and uses local music venues, which will create a buzz in the town.

"We decided to put at least one gig on each night showcasing local musicians across a variety of genres. In addition, there's morris dancing, a film and a short play.

"We hope to make this an annual event and for it to get bigger and better each year."

The event has been supported by the Witney Town Hall Charity, which donated £750.

Although musical perform- ances are free, gig-goers are encouraged to donate £3 at each show, to help with the running costs of the event. Collections will also be held for the Oxford-based Sobell House Hospice.

Sobell House fundraiser Rob Panting, said: "We are delighted to be linked to this festival, which will allow people to watch some great local music while supporting a good local cause. I would certainly encourage people to come along."

For details of artists and performance times, go to www.witneymusicfestival.co.uk