HE music is set to be more eclectic than ever at this year’s Wivenhoe May Fair.

Where else could you get to hear rocking indie bands sharing the stage with an African Kora and some of the finest vocalists in East Anglia?

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, some of the best local talent will take to the stage on May 26 for the free community arts and music event.

On the Tree Stage, there will be sets by Wivenhoe poet Martin Newell’s acoustic rock outfit, Hurricane, original roots and reggae outfit, Hobo Chang and some of the coolest surf sounds this side of the Pacific from Colchester’s Surfquake.

Other acts include Buddy Lee Dickens, Lou Terry, Animal Noise and Greg Blackman. On the Sunrise Stage there will be a chance to see Wivenhoe singer-songwriter Natasha Robertson, Colchester folk group the Medlars and Mersea blues and funk band Rhonda Merrick and the All British Potluck Band.

The Open Mic Stage was such a great hit last year, organisers have decided to bring it back. So if you want to play, sign up early with the open mic crew as soon as the festival opens at noon. The May Fair started as a peace festival in 1982. Although the format of the event changed over the years, the emphasis on providing entertainment while promoting green, organic and sustainable lifestyles remains.

As in previous years, the community-based festival, which has raised nearly £35,000 for charities since 2000, will be staged between noon and 6pm on the King George V Playing Field in the centre of Wivenhoe and will be collecting money to go to the supported charities. To celebrate 30 years of promoting peace and love, the organisers are asking festival goers to ‘fancy their dress’ in a Seventies vibe with funky flares, glamorous glitter and fabulous flowers. There will be plenty of opportunity to glam up when you arrive from the many vintage clothes stalls. The popular Sunset Cycle-Powered Cinema will be showcasing the work of local film-makers and, as well as plenty of refreshment stands, there will be market stalls, circus acts, bouncy castle, face painting and other activities for children. Mike Freeman, spokesman for the Wivenhoe May Fair, says: “The 30th anniversary May Fair will be a fantastic music and arts event offering something for everyone.

“With under a month to go, we still have plenty to do and I would ask anyone with a few hours to spare before, during and after the May Fair to get in touch.”

For more information go to www.wivenhoemayfair.com