A NEW festival celebrating local music will kick off in grand fashion, thanks to a set from the exfrontman of the Inspiral Carpets.

Malvern Rocks is set to showcase the town’s rich, diverse pool of musical talent when it runs across three summer night and two afternoons from Friday to Sunday, August 3-5.

But the appearance of Tom Hingley, who sang with the Manchester band from 1989 until they split in 1995, as headliner on the opening night at the Great Malvern Hotel should promise an exciting start to the free festival.

The influential band, who were part of the Madchester scene of the late 80s and early 90s, are perhaps best known for top-20 singles This Is How It Feels and Dragging Me Down.

Tom has since gone on to pursue a solo career releasing two albums by himself and a further two backed by his band The Lovers.

Malvern Rocks will also stretch its legs across the town, offering everything from pop to punk and folk to metal.

Other venues confirmed for what should be a packed weekend include the Mount Pleasant Hotel, Malvern Youth Centre, Unicorn Inn, Red Lion, Bluebell Inn, Green Dragon, Bakery Inn, Beauchamp Arms, Gloster Arms, Express Inn, Wyche Inn and West Malvern Social Club.

For more information, go to malvernrocks.com.