MUSIC fans are looking forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary of Wallingford Blues and Beer Festival.

From humble beginnings, the event has grown to become one of Britain’s most respected blues festivals, raising £45,000 for charity along the way.

Taking to the stage of the Regal Centre to headline this year's festival on Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13, will be blues masters Dr Feelgood and British blues rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Chantel McGregor.

Originally launched by townsfolk to help fund their old 1930s cinema building off St Martin's Street as a community venue, the event has seen changes of name and emphasis, but the dedication of its volunteer organisers has been ever present.

Festival chairman Geoff Goddard said: “Twenty-five years of the festival in Wallingford is something to celebrate, and we’re doing it in style, opening with a blues masterclass from Dr Feelgood.

“This year, we have an amazing age range of talent that includes three 2014 British Blues Awards category winners, one of which is the UK’s current best blues guitarist, the amazing Chantel McGregor.”

The festival's philosophy has always been to provide live music to audiences. Local bands have been encouraged to perform, inspired by appearing on the same billing as established national artists.

Throughout its lifespan, the festival has donated to local charities for the direct benefit of children, preferably through music projects.

Mr Goddard said: “There’s always something for everyone at the festival. We actively encourage accompanied children to come along to our eclectic family session on Saturday afternoon to enjoy real, raw live music.

“Having been involved with the festival since 2000, and attending since its creation, I’m proud that it is run entirely by volunteers and all proceeds are donated to local charities. This gives it a real sense of community and as a reward, somewhat surprisingly, the festival has evolved into a very well respected national musical event.”

The inaugural Wallingford Beer Festival in 1991 (later to become Wallingford Beer and Bands and Wallingford Beer and Blues Festival before taking on its present title) was run by Wallingford Round Table, inspired by a blues-loving character, John Beeton, known locally as Sailor John.

The involvement of the Round Tablers was to last a decade until they had to pull out, raising doubt over the event’s future.

But, fortunately, it didn’t take too much press-ganging by Sailor John to raise a shipshape crew who have been at the festival’s helm ever since.

The sad passing of Sailor John in 2006, followed by the death of another of the event’s founders, Norma Whelan, seven years later, only served to make the volunteers more determined to honour their memory and maintain what had by then become a national treasure.

This year, the Friday session from 7pm to midnight will star Dr Feelgood. Formed in 1971, the band found fame with hits such as Back in the Night, Roxette and Milk and Alcohol, although the current line-up includes none of its original members. Backing them up will be Laurence Jones and Matt Woosey.

On the Saturday night, Chantel McGregor will headline, supported by Ben Poole and Armadillo Blues. In between, the Saturday family session from 2pm to 6pm will feature the Vincent White Band, Stomp and Holler and Howlin’ Matt.

Available at bluesandbeer.co.uk, weekend tickets are £25 and the Friday and Saturday night sessions are £15 each. The Saturday afternoon is £6 with accompanied under-14s free. Tickets can also be bought from The Coachmakers’ Arms, KP Stationers and Wallingford Tourist Office.