A ROCK legend has proved that he is not living in the past by endorsing a brand-new folk music festival.

Ian Anderson from British rock band Jethro Tull has expressed his excitment for the upcoming Malmesbury Folk & Roots Festival which will take place on Saturday, September 23 at the Cloister Gardens behind Malmesbury Abbey.

The festival has been timed to take place on the same day as the inaugural European Folk Day.

Folk-rock legends Jethro Tull formed in Luton, Bedfordshire in 1967 and their best-selling album Aqualung sold over seven million copies.

Some of their biggest hits include Living in the Past, Locomotive Breath and Thick as a Brick.

In a promotional video for the event Ian, who is the band's famous flute-playing frontman, said: “Malmesbury is a beautiful little town, a very ancient town, with amazing historic connections. 

"It also has the partially ruined Abbey, and the festival is in the grounds.

"It will be a super event, so do take a trip to Malmesbury and enjoy this folk and roots festival – maybe I’ll see you there!”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Ian Anderson with his band Jethro TullIan Anderson with his band Jethro Tull (Image: Jethro Tull)

Helping to organise the event on behalf of Malmesbury Town Council is local resident Catherine Burke, who also runs the popular Purbeck Valley Folk Festival.

Catherine has booked a range of acts, including headliners 3 Daft Monkeys.

Other performers include Martha Tilston, Old Baby Mackerel, The Carrivick Sisters and Wiltshire band Fly Yeti Fly. 

During the day Morris dancers will be performing at different places around the town and there will be food and drink stalls at the festival site. 

Burton Hill campsite has offered a discount to festival-goers who wish to camp after the festival ends at 10.30pm.

Town mayor Cllr Gavin Grant has said he is looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to the festival, which closely follows the successful Music in the Cloisters event.

He said: “Malmesbury is so strong in live music, it seems only natural for our beautiful town to host a folk music festival in this amazing location.

"I am delighted that the town council are backing the inaugural festival and a group of musicians and festival organisers have come together to make it happen. 

"It is all the more impressive knowing that any festival profits could help my mayoral good causes’ fund too.

"I really hope Malmesbury and folk music lovers will really get behind this inaugural festival and make it a great success.” 

Adult tickets cost £25 and under 12s can go free.

Tickets are available online at tinyurl.com/47c26x7e and can also be bought from the Malmesbury Tourist Information Centre and High Street shop Renew.