WALLINGFORD’S new town clerk says he has ruled out trying to launch any new music festivals in and around the town.

Jamie Baskeyfield has taken over from Andrew Rogers, who served as town clerk for 14 years.

Mr Baskeyfield, 43, of Cholsey, has managed a number of major music venues and theatres, including the Hammersmith Apollo in London, and has worked with stars including David Bowie and Kylie Minogue.

But despite managing the UK’s top entertainment venues for the past 22 years, the father-of-one said he had no plans to launch a music festival.

Mr Baskeyfield said he admired the festivals already staged in the town including Rugfest, the blues and beer festival and BunkFest, which takes place on the Kinecroft this year from August 30 to September 1.

He said: “My job here is to help enhance what is already going on – I’ve got huge admiration for the people running these festivals.”