Barrett tribute events announced

Syd Barrett died in 2006 owing to complications arising from diabetes

A commemoration of the life of Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett is to be held later this year with events including a stage show and art exhibition.

The City Wakes has been billed as the "first official tribute" to the guitarist, who died in 2006 aged 60.

The theatre show will feature new versions of some of Barrett's songs, while the exhibition will display his paintings and memorabilia.

Barrett's home town of Cambridge will host the events in late October.

The show and exhibition are then due to transfer to London at an unspecified date.

Cambridge will also see a display of more than 60 images related to Barrett and Pink Floyd by photographer Storm Thorgerson.

Paintings by Syd Barrett will be on show at an exhibition in Cambridge

A biography which "challenges perceptions" of Barrett's life is scheduled to be published and there will be guided tours and workshops in Cambridge, exploring the landmarks and music which were integral to him.

The project has been organised by Escape Artists, a mental health charity which also operates as a professional production house, and is part of the Festival of Ideas at the University of Cambridge.

Barrett was an original member of Pink Floyd, the band's first creative force and an influential songwriter who penned their early hits.

He joined the group in 1965 but left three years later after one album.

He went on to live as a recluse, with his mental deterioration blamed on drugs.

He died from complications arising from diabetes.