A POPULAR country and western music festival is back for its 27th year and is set to be the biggest yet.

Welshpool Country and Western Music Festival takes place on the Powis Castle showfield on July 18, 19 and 20.

As usual all money raised by the festival will go towards running the two canal boats that belong to the Heulwen Trust, which aims to bring enjoyment to people with disabilities by providing trips along the Montgomery Canal.

“There has been a massive increase in bookings, which means that this year’s event should be bigger and better than ever.” said one of the organisers, Rozanne Corfield.

New additions to the festival include a bucking bronco, clairvoyant John Starkey and a fancy dress scarecrow competition, which awards the winner with a free weekend ticket to next year’s festival.

As well as new attractions, the old favourites such as the Animal Man, boat trips along the canal and the Angel beer tent will also be returning.

After opening with a traditional Western charge, live music will be performed throughout the whole weekend by many popular country and western artists.

The festival has introduced a bigger play area for children which includes a bouncy castle, trampolines and a paintball shoot.

New this year are also the Birds of Prey where people can hold the birds and create a perfect photo opportunity.

Powis Castle is also giving a 50 per cent discount to visitors of the castle who attend in Western costume, allowing people to take in the spectacular scenery of the Earl of Powis’ grounds.

Mrs Corfield added: “It’s set to be a stonking weekend.”

Weekend tickets £30pp, day visitors £12.50pp, accompanied children under 16 are free.

For more information on the festival contact recorfield@hotmail.co.uk