ROCK bands from across the country will gather at a pub in Callow Hill for a three-day festival.

The Duke William Inn hosts Rock The Forest, on August 14 to 16, featuring two stages of music veterans and new bands.

The event kicks off on the Friday evening with Bewdley-based guitarist Gwyn Ashton playing tracks from his new album, Two-Man Blues Army.

Gwyn, who has toured with Status Quo and Ray Charles, runs an open mic night at The Talbot in Bewdley every Monday.

Evesham rockers High Voltage will round off the night with their tribute to Aussie legends AC/DC.

Saturday features a host of Wyre Forest bands playing through the afternoon and early evening, including Sweet Fanny Adams, Trower Power, Lopht, The A Band and Jake.

A Battle of the Bands contest also starts on Saturday afternoon, where budding stars can try and win some new fans.

The day is headlined by Lets Zeppelin, who will put their own spin on Robert Plant’s former band’s back catalogue.

Sunday’s line-up will include Kidderminster favourites, The Sharks, Stourport’s Test Pilots, The Gas Giant and Mitsy Come Home.

Bringing the festival to a climax are Worcestershire-based, My Generation, a tribute to The Who.

The pub will also host an acoustic stage and featuring Jeff Betty, John Bridger and Dave Wiggins as The Grumpy Old Guitarists.

Tickets can be purchased for the whole weekend or single days and camping is available by pre-booking only.

For more information, visit the website at www.rocktheforest.com or call Gary on 01299 826539 or Matt on 07951 782592.