A POPULAR music festival boasting a line-up of covers bands, talented ska stalwarts and blues artists will continue to entertain the masses this weekend after getting under way yesterday.

Bures Music Festival, an annual five-day extravaganza which is now in its 23rd year, started on Wednesday at St Mary’s Church with a chorus of harmonising voices in the form of Funky Voices – a choir performing renditions of modern hits.

The historic church was also due to be the setting for an evening of wonderful jazz last night, while a talent competition featuring local artists, dancers and bands showcasing their abilities to a large crowd and judges took place in the marquee on the village recreation ground.

The well-attended festival, which will donate funds raised from ticket sales to the event’s charitable trust, continues tonight and over the weekend with a stellar and eclectic line-up featuring a multitude of genres and well-travelled acts.

Tonight sees Nine Below Zero, the Ian Siegal Band and Bay Horse Boys provide the sonic backdrops, before Saturday – dominated by tribute acts Guns 2 Roses and Bon Giovi – serves up festival-goers something a little more familiar.

Ska veterans New Town Kings will be tasked with putting in a headline-worthy performance on the closing Sunday following energetic party band Soul Kitchen and five other experienced outfits.

A bar will be on site to keep music lovers refreshed.

There is also a host of food stalls and on Sunday picnics and self-catering are allowed.

Music fans can buy tickets for individual days or the whole weekend.

Those looking to get the full festival experience can also camp overnight at the site.

Tonight’s entertainment starts at 6.30pm and Saturday’s and Sunday’s events begin at noon.

Tickets, which range in price from £20 to £150, are still available and can be bought at buresmusicfestival.com.