THIS WEEK AT THE STABLES: BLAKE, TEN STRINGS AND HATS OFF TO ZEPPELIN

After putting its proverbial feet up for a brief breather, The Stables opens its doors, turns up the PA and prepares to tickle the ears of patrons once more this week.

The new season kicks off on Friday night (Aug 21) with an act who made such an impression with Dame Shirley Bassey when she saw them on television a few years back, she demanded they play her birthday party the same night.

And hers wasn't a fleeting interest in Blake – since then she has been in the audience for many of their concerts around the country, including a preview of this current show, which takes its name from their album by the same title, In Harmony.

The trio will be delivering perfect packages of sound to the assembled – spanning musical hits, pop and classical songs in the group's most eclectic stage spectacular so far.

Oh, and the famous rat-pack banter returns too!

Tickets are scant, but try your luck by giving the box office a call.

Ten Strings and a Goatskin will cut free their trad/folk fusion over on Stage 2.

This trio celebrates the music of the Irish, Acadian, French and Maritime cultures.

Integrating modern and world rhythms with traditional and original material, a Ten Strings and a Goatskin audience can be assured of a fiery and contagious sound when they go live at 8.45pm.

Hard rockers who still like a full-fill of Page, Plant, Bonham and Jones will be in luck on Saturday night (Aug 22) – Hats Off to Led Zeppelin have plenty for you, and contrary to urban myth, the song won't erm, remain the same...

Get busy with your plastic pal – call the box office on 01908 280800 or visit www.stables.org