Two years ago John Jones - of BBC Radio 2's folk award-winning Oysterband - did a "little thing" in the village hall at Titley at Christmas and everyone said "wouldn't it be great to do something bigger".

"I had always envisaged it, never thinking it would happen," he said.

"I was scared of doing it and upsetting the locals if it was too loud."

He has lived in Titley for more than a decade, since falling in love with the area when walking through.

He describes it as his refuge.

And on Sunday, September 4, the Oysterband is to headline a live gig on the Stagg Meadow, titled Under the Green Hill, to raise funds for St Peter's Church in Titley.

"I was knocked out that they wanted to do it," John said, when the organisers got in touch.

"I've always thought if you can find something that attracts the imagination, people will travel," he said.

"It's a great setting in the hills and near an award-winning pub."

More than 800 tickets have been sold in advance, many to Oysterband fans, but John is hoping local people will take the opportunity to experience a gig of this size on their doorstep.

An outdoor gig in early September must be causing organisers a few sleepless nights.

"I've checked and the same weekend last year was glorious," John said.

"We played Glastonbury on Friday - the worst night weatherwise - and it's amazing what people will put up with.

"It would have to be absolutely appaling for the gig not to go ahead.

"But this is England - you may be able to sit on a blanket or you may have to bring your raincoat."

Gates open at 2pm with live music from 3pm and people are invited to bring along a picnic.

Supporting the Oysterband will be acoustic songwriting duo Nizlopi, who have a contemporary sound with a beatbox bass and were a big hit on Radio 4's Loose Ends recently.

Young Hereford band The Myth will also be playing, who got down to the final six in the BBC's school rock band competition earlier in the year.

"They remind me of the way I used to play," said John.

Also on the bill are Luke, Mills and Jackson - who form three quarters of rootsy Americano band Sugar Moon; the Rhythm Thieves; Seth Lakeman and Benji Kirkpatrick.

Tickets are still available on 01544 231383 and from The Grapevine, Kington.