DJ plays in home town gig

Some of the biggest bands from Mid Wales are set to perform at a three-day festival.

Acts such as Smoke Like a Fish, John Steele and Carolina Howells will be topping the bill at Newtown's Yard Party, which begins on Friday.

Held at the Regent Centre, which includes Crystals night club and The Exchange pub, the event has now become a annual fixture in the town.

Geraldine ap Dafydd, event spokeswoman, said: "The event will feature music, beer without festival prices and a barbecue."

Friday night begins at Crystals with a DJ set from Sonny Wharton, who is from Welshpool, but has spent the last few years touring the best clubs in the world, playing in venues such as Ministry of Sound in London and Sonar in Barcelona.

Tickets for the festival are priced at £8 for adults, £5 for ages 12 to 17, with children free. A weekend ticket is £15. For details, call (01686) 621814.