Town's loony tune Sutch tribute

Lord Sutch died eight years ago

A Powys town known for its eccentric events is hosting a fancy dress rock concert in memory of one of the UK's most eccentric political personalities.

Screaming Lord Sutch was a regular visitor to Llanwrtyd Wells, where he started the annual Man vs Horse race.

He began his career as a rock singer, but became better known as the leader of the Monster Raving Loony Party.

He stood at several general elections but committed suicide in 1999. Saturday would have been his 67th birthday.

Musicians like ex-Hawkwind saxophonist Nik Turner and Dave Savage and His Savages, who were part of Sutch's original backing band, are playing at The Late Monster Raving Loony Music Party.

Dress code for the gig is "over the top and colourful", in keeping with Sutch's outlandish style which saw him sometimes wear leopard skin suits.

'Fitting tribute'

Gordon Green, who organises the man versus horse race and the town's bog snorkelling championships, said the gig was a "fitting tribute" to Sutch.

"David often visited Llanwrtyd and used to start the man versus horse race for us," he said.

"We became friendly with him, and when I owned the Neuadd Arms in the town he played his last public concert there. The concert is a fitting tribute."

A spokesman for the event said it coincided with what would have been Sutch's birthday on Saturday.

He added that it was a "birthday pilgrimage" to Screaming Lord Sutch, who became "Britain's longest-serving party leader."