Floyd star to rock countryside

The Countryside Alliance march follows a protest march

Rock star Roger Waters and soul singer Sheila Ferguson are to headline a variety show in London in support of the Countryside Alliance.

The former Pink Floyd member Waters will be premiering the overture of his new opera during the Whip Craic concert, at Royal Albert Hall on 16 October.

He will be joined on stage by Three Degrees lead singer Ferguson in the event, which organisers say is aimed at raising awareness of countryside issues.

The show follows the Countryside Alliance's 400,000-strong march through central London last month.

Nicholas Parsons has pledged his support

Concert organiser Maggie Heath told BBC News Online: "We want to keep the profile high of the Countryside Alliance.

"We in the countryside should be left to run the countryside without interference from people in the cities.

"It is about liberty and democracy".

She said she had approached the performers, many of whom she said are friends of hers, to ask them to take part.

Actors Sir Anthony Andrews, Simon Williams, Robert Hardy and Marsha Fitzalan as well as author Sir John Mortimer will be joining in the event.

Entertainers Nicholas Parsons and Christopher Biggins are also among the line-up.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Inglis, will be performing.