DEVIZES FESTIVAL 2003: OVER the next three weeks Devizes is offering possibly the best programme of free events anywhere in the South West as part of the Devizes Festival fringe.

The programme begins on Sunday at 3pm in St John's Church with a recital by young and talented Wiltshire violinist, Georgia Browne.

Miss Browne, who is already well known for her interpretations of traditional music, will be playing a variety of styles, from Bach to Irish music.

She is currently studying at Bristol University, where she is a member of the university symphony orchestra and baroque ensemble and also plays for Tinker's Cuss, one of the region's top Irish bands.

An added attraction will be the sale of cream teas after the concert in aid of church funds.

Over the next seven days fringe events at The Lamb Inn in St John's Street include singer/songwriter Reg Meuross on the evening of June 8, and A Father For My Son, a one-woman show on the life of Kathleen Scott, presented by Jenny Coverack, at 8pm on June 10.

Young blues guitar star Aynsley Lister plays at the Lamb on June 11 at 9pm.

This is a chance to see an artist rated as "superb" by The Times, having supported such acts as Buddy Guy, Jools Holland and John Mayall.

Jazz comes to the Kennet Social Club on June 9 at 9pm with the Forster-Hammond Trio, featuring Ruth Hammond, a runner-up in the Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition, on the organ.

The climax for this week's fringe programme is a family dance at Devizes Sports Club at 8.30pm on June 13, with Sergeant Pepper's Only Darts Board Band, the South West's top Beatles tribute band.

Tony Goldsmith, who has organised this year's fringe programme, said: "This year's fringe is the best ever, with something for everyone.

"Where else can you get so many top acts for free?

"The support we get from Kennet District Council, Devizes Town Council, Wadworth's brewery, The Lamb and other sponsors is essential to us in running the fringe and keeping admission free."

The main programme begins on Saturday with Brazilian Samba Night at the Corn Exchange, featuring Monica Vasconcelos and Nois.

More Latin rhythms, of a more classical nature, can be heard at the town on June 12, when 25-year-old pianist Alba Ventura performs a programme of music by Mozart, Chopin and Rachmaninov.

An organ recital by Christopher Kent, erroneously mentioned as being in the fringe programme in last week's paper, takes place at St Mary's Church on June 14 at noon. Tickets, at £4 each, are available from Devizes Books.

Full details of this year's festival programme, including the fringe, are in the Devizes Festival brochure, which is available free of charge from outlets all over town.