They backed Ian Dury on hits such as Sex and Drugs and Rock’n’Roll, Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick and Reasons to be Cheerful Part Two.

But on Friday, June 6, the Blockheads will be coming to the Corn Exchange to perform in their own right at Devizes Festival.

The band is fronted by Mr Dury’s best friend, Derek Hussey, while Chaz Jankel, Norman Watt-Roy, John Turnbull and Mick Gallagher still remain from the original band that backed Mr Dury from his first album, New Boots and Panties, in 1977.

The Archer Pearce Duo made their name with classical arrangements and music from the modern jazz era, performing all over the UK, in Europe and Asia.

They will perform a lunchtime concert in St Andrew’s Church on Tuesday, June 10, but will also be at Southfield House care home in Victoria Road and at Rowdeford School.

Le Vent du Nord [The North Wind] were a huge hit at last year’s WOMAD festival and have been booked to perform at the Corn Exchange on Wedn-esday, June 18, featuring their own brand of catchy Quebec folk tunes.

But if Irish folk music is your thing, Caladh Nua will be performing their brand of sounds deeply rooted in the south-eastern counties of the Emerald Isle at the Corn Exchange on Friday, June 20.

  • The box office for the general public opened at Devizes Books yesterday and there are still tickets available for most shows in the programme.
    The box office is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, from Monday to Saturday.
    Telephone bookings can be made
    at (01380) 738686.
    Online booking can be made at
    www.devizesfestival.co.uk
    Tickets are non-refundable but will be accepted back on the basis of resale, if all other tickets have been sold.