AN eagerly anticipated five-day music festival is about to take place next week.

The 22nd edition of Bures Music Festival will feature acts from across the East Anglian area and bands from overseas.

Among the acts which will be performing are UK Beach Boys, Funk 2K, Litter Kings and the Ashton Jones Project.

The festival kicks off on the Wednesday evening with a choral night at St. Mary’s Church, which will also host a jazz night the following evening.

Thursday evening will also see a competition held at the village recreation ground where young and upcoming musicians will face off against one another.

The winner of the competition will claim a £150 cash prize and be granted the chance to open proceedings on the final day.

On the Friday evening, the live music will start in earnest as Bernie Marsden headlines and gets the crowds ready for a weekend full of entertainment.

At least six different bands will be performing on the Saturday, including Ska outfit The Kubricks, who have supported the likes of UB40 and Bad Manners, Norfolk’s nine-piece roots rockers The Vagaband and Wivenhoe singer/songwriter Helen Connelly.

Rounding off the festival on the Sunday, highlights include local guitar hero Robbie Gladwell and his Sidemen band. Robbie is perhaps best known for his collaborations with another local music legend, Steve Harley but has also played with the likes of B B King and Suzi Quatro.

Also on the bill are contemporary blues rock ‘n roll trio from Ipswich Hot Tramp and tribute bands the UK Beach Boys and The Kinx.

Visitors are asked not to bring food to the festival on the Saturday, however picnics are permitted on the Sunday.

Any profits raised from the five-day event will go toward charities and community projects in the Bures area.

A camping pass is available for those looking to stay on site during the festival and organisers say there are a greater range of facilities for those looking to pitch up and stay overnight.

The festival begins on Wednesday, July 4 and runs through until Sunday, July 8.

Tickets and passes for the event are available online with those purchased in advance receiving a discount.

Visit www.buresmusicfestival.com for more information or to book tickets.