THE Zig Zag Band from Chippenham will provide the entertainment for a Wiltshire Air Ambulance fundraising event in memory of 26-year-old Michelle Phillips.

This is the third year the event which takes place this year on January 19 from 7.30pm at Melksham Assembly Hall, has been held, being as near as possible to Michelle's birthday, January 23.

The Zig Zag Band will be playing music from the 50s 60s and 70s.

Drummer Mike Morrissey says: "We really enjoyed playing at the event last year and were delighted to be invited back again this year."

Since Michelle's death in a road accident in 2004 over £7,200 has been raised in her memory by her family and friends. The gig is open to anyone, not just people who knew Michelle but anyone who wants a good night out in Melksham dancing and listening to a spectacular band and all for only £5 a ticket, with all proceeds going to such a good cause.

Tickets, at £5, are available from Melksham Assembly Hall on (01225) 709887 and John and Sandra Phillips on (01225) 702485.

MEANWHILE, fans of Waking the Witch who have been waiting eagerly for the release of their new CD Boys from the Abattoir will be pleased to learn that two Wiltshire dates are included on the tour just announced to promote the album.

The CD has been produced by Dave Creffield, famous for his work with Leeds band Embrace and the Kaiser Chiefs.

"I really wanted to be involved with Waking the Witch," he said. "They are amazing singers, guitar players and arrangers, and this CD features some of the strongest songs I have heard in a long, long time. Not only are they completely cool to work with but they also cook the most fantastic curries you've ever tasted!

"My background is in indie music, so between us we've created a new kind of sound. I suppose you could call it indie acoustic."

The result of this collaboration is an album that brings an edgier, more urban Waking the Witch than has been heard previously. Still very much in evidence are the four girls' trademark acoustic guitars and lush vocal harmonies but this time all the songs are backed by a powerful rhythm section, and, on the gothic anthem, Me Leaving Me the distinctive, stirring electric guitar of Bruce Watson, of Big Country.

The band, which consists of Rachel Goodwin, Patsy Matheson, Becky Mills and Jools Parker, pictured right, is considered to be very much a live outfit, and their reputation for putting on an outstanding g show continues to grow stronger and stronger. They have appeared at countless major UK festivals including Glastonbury and the Village Pump and have always placed a firm emphasis on keeping it live.

Boys from the Abattoir will be released in the UK on February 5. Tour dates include February 1 at Swindon Arts Centre, tickets £10 from (01793) 614837, or, if that's too far to travel, wait until May 12 and catch them at Seend Community Centre, tickets also £10 from (01380) 828778.