A village which made a big splash when it was voted the best in England is now lining up to make a big noise.

Kingham in west Oxfordshire is preparing for its third annual Commotion summer festival of music with the promise of some "big name" appearances.

Already an array of bands and solo acts have been booked to appear during the day on Saturday, June 23, including Oxford-based The Anydays, Red Hand Gang, Natterjax and Joe Allen.

And, for the first time, there will be a 'Battle of the Bands' for local secondary schools, with the winners having a chance of a live recording session and broadcast on Channel 6 TV.

Music producer Steve Lipson, who has worked with Boyzone, Will Young and the Rolling Stones, will be judging the bands.

Kingham's music connections to the music scene include former Blur bassist Alex James - who now runs a 150 acre farm just outside the village.

The village, with a population of less than 1,000 people, was voted England's favourite village in a poll in Country Life magazine.

The one-day festival is at the village primary school, from 2 to 11pm.

Commotion organiser Kate Woodward said: "The music festival is for everyone and is a great family day out.

"There will be surprise appearances from some big names too."

The event also includes percussion workshops, circus acts, theatre performance, karaoke tent and activities for children.

The festival is in aid of music education in the community and the children's cancer care charity Clic Sargent.

Family tickets for the day cost £25. They can be bought from Kingham Village Shop, and Jaffe and Neal bookshop in Chipping Norton.

Alternatively, log on at www.commotionfestival.co.uk