Bikers' music fest is back on

One of the Midlands' biggest rock music festivals is back on after it had looked like police objections had killed it off.

NOTE - EVENT CALLED OFF AGAIN.

The 25th Anniversary Rock & Blues Custom Show runs from July 24-27 and has returned to its "spiritual home" at Pentrich, Derbyshire, after the police blocked its move to Catton Hall over fears of violence between rival biker gangs.

Midlands rockers Magnum and Glenn Hughes are on the bill for the event, which features a whole host of entertainments, including Europe's top custom bike show and two evenings of non-stop rocking on the main stage.

The gates open at midday on Thursday July 24, with camping available on site, ahead of the main attractions kicking off the following day.

Much of the early action on Friday will take place in the Cross Piston Saloon, featuring the "Axe Factor" guitar competition plus the best tattoo and the eye-watering "world's hottest chilli hotdog eating" contests.

Live sets come from Vinnies Vice, Fat Stan and Devillish Preseley.

Attention swaps to the main stage at 5pm, when GMT (Guy McCoy Torme) kick off proceedings in a suitably raucous fashion, followed by former Motorhead guitarist Eddie Clarke's band Fastway, southern U.S rock legends Molly Hatchet and a headline set by Cannock-born Glenn Hughes and Friends.

Glenn Hughes, who rose to stardom with Trapeze and Deep Purple, has carved out a successful solo career with his blend of hard rock, soul and funk.

The band KLF famously dubbed him The Voice of Rock after he provided the vocals for their hit America: What Time Is Love.

Hughes, who now lives in L.A. said: "I was born in the Midlands and learned my craft there. It was, and still is, the epicentre of British rock."

Expect plenty of tracks from Hughes' new First Underground Nuclear Kitchen (F.U.N.K.) album as well as a nod or two towards his Purple past.

Once the hangover pills have kicked in on Saturday it's back to the Cross Piston Saloon for even more competitions, including Miss Bikini Babe and Mr Beer Belly, "Stupid Things On Sticks" and the final of "Axe Factor".

Saturday's saloon bands are Mars Bonfire, cover band Aynt Skynyrd and Verbal Warning.

Perennial rockers Budgie kick off Saturday evening on the main stage, followed by Finland's finest (and possibly only) rock export Hanoi Rocks, classic Midland rockers Magnum and Rock and Blues Custom Show favourites Blackfoot, back to headline with their heavy brand of deep southern boogie.

On top of all this there is the 25th anniversary custom bike show, with plenty of gleaming chrome on display as entrants battle it out for a whole host of prizes. It starts at 10am on Friday, with the prizes being handed out at 3pm on Saturday.

* The 25th Anniversary Rock & Blues Custom Show runs from July 24-27, 2008, at the Coneygrey Showground, Pentrich, Derbyshire. Tickets are £35 in advance and £45 on the gate, camping is included.

Parking for motorbike/trikes is free, but there is a £10 charge for cars and a £15 charge for camper vans.

Entry is subject to a number of conditions and restrictions – full details at www.rockandblues.uk.com