Emma adds Spice to festival

Emma Bunton can expect a crowd of between 5,000 and 10,000 in Caernarfon.

Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton is to headline a free pop concert in the centre of Caernarfon.

Former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman and Liberty X are also confirmed for the BBC Wales Big Buzz event on 25 July, which organisers hope will attract up to 10,000 people.

It is among a number of pop events, which it is hoped will provide an economic boost to Gwynedd.

"As well as attracting local people we hope it will have an impact from a tourism point of view," said Gwynedd events commissioner Huw Edwin Jones.

Organisers are to speak to local traders in the hope that they will wish to open up on the Sunday to take advantage of the expected crowds.

'Huge success'

Mr Jones said: "It's wonderful news that the Big Buzz is coming to Caernarfon - it has been put on south Wales before, so this is a first time it has come to north Wales and with the lovely setting of the castle in the background, we're just crossing our fingers for the weather."

Emma Bunton, the former Baby Spice, has unveiled a sexy new image and enjoyed a string of hit singles with her second solo album Free Me.

Former Stones bassist Wyman is bringing his Rhythm Kings band, which includes bluesman Albert Lee and Andy Fairweather Low.

Other acts for the event, which will be held at the town's quayside as part of Caernarfon Festival week, include Deepest Blue and Mark Joseph.

The concert will also be broadcast on BBC Radio Wales and events producer Paul Forde said: "It has been such a huge success in Cardiff and Swansea over the last two years we thought the rest of Wales should experience the Big Buzz."

Meanwhile. between 9-12 July Will Young, the Beach Boys and Bryan Ferry are among acts playing the North Wales Summer Pops on the Faenol Estate near Bangor in paid-for concerts.

Mr Jones said: "The Summer Pops have run in Liverpool and this is an extension of that.

"It's great that promoters are looking to try out north Wales audiences for events like this."