Start a great July day with a walk and music at Avebury – the stones will be rocking

We all know where we will be on the evening of July 13. But here’s a way to spend the day before the final whistle.

Avebury Rocks is coming back with a mix of sponsored walk for charity, a lunch, activities for all the family and pop festival.   And it’s raising funds for the Prospect Hospice which serves the Marlborough area.

The line-up for the pop festival is still developing.  The latest addition is Leeds-based singer-songwriter Jon Gomm.  But you are certain to hear local boy Nick Harper and the up and coming very local boy, Avebury’s own George Wilding – http://youtu.be/VnpT8GGHRNQ.

Jon Gomm’s unorthodox guitar playing style has built him a devoted following around the world – http://youtu.be/J9b29phQz_I.

He was asked to play Avebury Rocks by Nick Harper in somewhat unusual circumstances, as Gomm explained: “I’ve known Nick for many years, and he is one of my musical heroes.  I went to one of his gigs in Otley, close to where I live, and he asked me from the stage if I would play.”

“Immediately I said that I would because he is possibly my favourite living musician, and he’s been a big influence on my own career. His song writing is incredible – it’s emotional, powerful, and often funny too.”

Nick Harper chose Prospect Hospice as beneficiary because of the care his late mother, Monica Weston, received as a patient there before she died of cancer. Prospect were delighted when asked by the Avebury Rocks committee to make this year’s event their own.

The 15km sponsored walk features even more live music along way, and anyone registering for the walk receives a free ticket to the afternoon concert. Tickets to the afternoon concert only are also available.

If you are really going to make the most of the day you can catch the sunrise over the stones at 4.55am. It will be a day suitable for all ages – with free car parking.

Registration for the sponsored walk is from 9.00m and the 15 kilometre ‘stroll’ (?) begins at 10.00am.  You’ll aim to be back for 1.00pm and the lamb roast, BBQ, veggie food, tea and beer – consumed in the order which most appeals.   And the concert runs from 2.00pm.

Then – and only then – can you get back to town for the evening and for the World Cup Final at 8.00pm.  Some day!

You can register for Avebury Rocks here.   Tickets from Sound Knowledge (Marlborough) 01672 511106 or Holmes Music (Swindon)  – cash only – 01793 520948.  Or via the Avebury Rocks website.