* IT would not be an exaggeration to describe Johnny Marr as a musical legend.

The former guitarist with The Smiths, right, has a cult following and is jointly responsible (with estranged writing partner Morrissey) for some of the most enduring hits of the ‘80s.

On Sunday he plays the O2 Academy Oxford as part of his first true solo tour, and following the release of his new album The Messenger.

The star told us he couldn’t wait to get out on the road, after previous outings with the likes of The The, Modest Mouse, The Cribs; New Order’s, Electronic and his own band The Healers.

“I had all these ideas for songs knocking about in my mind; words and sounds,” he says. “And then when I came to express those ideas and turn them into songs, they flew out. The work led me and led my life. It’s just a new thing of me doing what I do.”

Tickets: £19.50 from ticketweb.co.uk

* COMEDIAN, musician and celebrity ape lover, Bill Bailey has been revealed as the headline act to close this year’s Wychwood Festival.

The star, who was last seen in Oxford playing a fundraiser for orang utans, joins an eclectic bill at Cheltenham Racecourse, which now also boasts Lucy Rose, Shields, rappers Clement Marfo and the Frontline, Eliza and the Bear and CBeebies star Ben Faulks aka Mr Bloom.

Bill will be presenting his Qualmpeddler show, setting his doubts about the modern world to music, Rumour has it, there may even be a dub version of Downton Abbey.

As previously revealed, the festival, which is organised by a team in Witney, will also feature The Beat, Sam Lee, The Human League, Kate Nash, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Police Dog Hogan, Caravan Palace, Eddie & The Hotrods, Moulettes, John Otway, Public Service Broadcasting, Cave Painting, Polarsets, Emily and the Woods and Craig Charles.

The event runs from May 31- June 2. Go to www.wychwoodfestival.com s

* Cornbury Festival continues to push the boat out with a line-up that is nothing if not diverse.

As reported, Van Morrison, Squeeze, The Proclaimers, Echo & The Bunnymen, Beverley Knight, Keane, Bellowhead, X Factor winner James Arthur, Seth Lakeman, Imelda May, Amy MacDonald and The Overtones are among the names on a bill which even festival promoter Hugh Phillimore admits could be accused of being unfocussed.

He told us: “I think the festival has got an identity of it’s own because it’s so eclectic. Cornbury is safe, family-friendly and traditional, and this is a classic line-up, which you will never see anywhere else.”

Cornbury Festival runs from July 5-7 at Great Tew, near Chipping Norton. Go to Cornburyfestival.com