AN open-air blues concert will be held in the picturesque grounds of Sudeley Castle next Saturday.

Sudeley Castle gardens and exhibitions in Winchcombe near Cheltenham will present Blues in the Ruins, an open air gig featuring modern blues artists Eddie Martin and Back Door Slam, this Saturday, July 22.

Ticketholders can look forward to an evening of musical entertainment with Eddie Martin, known as one of the most remarkable blues men of his generation and a compelling writer of the new blues.

This performance will be followed by the upbeat Back Door Slam, who are a three-piece band formed three years ago and features Davy Knowles, Jamie Armstrong and Ross Doyle.

Chief executive David Sherborn said: "We're excited to play host to these talented musicians, which demonstrates how Sudeley has developed as a venue to cater for a range of events and audiences. Blues in the Ruins will add a new dimension to the wonderful setting that visitors enjoy in the grounds of Sudeley Castle."

Further events to be held at Sudeley Castle include children's holidays activities from Thursday, August 3 taking place each Thursday throughout the month.

Youngsters will be able to enjoy special performances of Shakespeare's Hamlet on Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13 by Festival Players Theatre Company.

More information on the Blues in the Ruins is available from the organiser's website: www.myspace.com/blues_in_the_ruins or call 01242 602308.