WOMAD July 27-29

Rock legend Peter Gabriel will make a special guest appearance at a world music festival to be held in Wiltshire in July.

The former Genesis front man, who owns a recording studio in Box, will play at the WOMAD festival at Charlton Park, Malmesbury on Friday July 27.

Gabriel, a co-founder of WOMAD, said: "It has been wonderful to see what has happened with WOMAD over the last 25 years. It is different from any other festival I've ever been to, and although I usually get to enjoy it from the audience rather than the stage, I am delighted to come back as a performer for this 25th anniversary."

This year's festival line-up will feature more than 70 world-class artists from 40 countries performing over the festival weekend.

Set in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, Charlton Park is the new home for the WOMAD Festival in their 25th anniversary year.

An audience of 20,000 is expected and will feature seven stages and workshop areas, including a children's village, many more activities and festival features.

Visit www.womad.org

Trowbridge Village Pump

Festival July 19-22 Now in its 34th year, the festival has grown enormously since the idea was conceived over a pint and the first festival was held in the back garden of the Lamb Inn. The Levellers and Seth Lakeman will headline the folk and roots music festival at Stowford Manor Farm this year. Four day tickets cost £85 (before July 1), visit www.trowbridgefestival.co.uk for more information

Chippenham Folk Festival May 25-28

The festival has seen many changes since its beginnings in Lacock 36 years ago, but still retains its village atmosphere - with three and a half days packed with song, dance, workshops and dance displays.

Over 200 events take place in the town: the main ceilidh and concert events take place in the beautiful park alongside the river, while practically every pub and venue in the town is used for a range of sessions, workshops and smaller concerts and dances.

There is also a full programme of children's events, a large craft marquee, catering facilities and an open-air arena in the park. The High Street and historic Market Square are used for busking, street theatre and processions - a huge street fair also takes place on the Monday. www.chippfolk.co.uk

Salisbury International ArtFestival May 25 - June 10

This year's theme is React, the environmental focus is water, artistic focus is movement and the cultures explored are Latin, South and Central America. 2007's keynote speaker is Billy Bragg and the festival will feature dance, music, film and literature from or influenced by the Americas. This year there will also be a festival green room where festival-goers can meet performers and artists.

For a full programme of events, visit www.salisburyfestival.co.uk

Swindon Literature Festival May 7-20

In its 14th year the festival continues to attract big name authors to Swindon from Rosie Boycott to John Major. There will be a range of speakers and events during the fortnight - for more details visit www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk

Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza August 10-12

As well as organising Glastonbury Festival, Michael Eavis also stages these concerts in the beautiful Abbey, just over the border in Somerset. Friday night will see the return of Van Morrison and Corinne Bailey Rae.

The Saturday night concert will see world famous Charles Hazlewood conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as they perform an anniversary Tchaikovsky programme which will culminate in a spectacular firework display.

It will, in fact, be a double celebration as 2007 is the 60th Anniversary year of the RPO.

Sunday's concert will feature performances by Ray Davies and Paulo Nutini. www.glastonburyabbeyextravaganza.co.uk