EX-ROLLING Stones bassist Bill Wyman is set to make a triumphant return to his home town in Suffolk for a spectacular gig in the Abbey Gardens.

A former bass guitarist with the legendary rock and roll band, Mr Wyman, 74, has strong links to Suffolk, living in Gedding Hall in Gedding, near Rattlesden.

The Suffolk showman will play in Bury St Edmunds on Sunday, July 24, with his group, Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, alongside stars such as Andy Fairweather Low, Georgie Fame, Beverley Skeete, with special guests Shakin’ Stevens and Rick Wakeman in a headline concert as part of Abbeyfest.

“I haven’t played in Bury for about 12 years,” he said. “It’s like coming home.

“It is going to be fun but our shows always are.”

Having lived in Suffolk for the past 43 years, Mr Wyman has spent a lot of time exploring the county’s beautiful countryside and welcoming pubs.

When he first moved to Gedding Hall, Mr Wyman said he would often take off for days at a time, travelling around the county in his car to get a taste of Suffolk life.

Famous for his metal detecting, archaeological research and photography, Mr Wyman, who also has a home in London, is one of Suffolk’s most famous residents.

“I really love it in Suffolk,” he said. “I try to get up there as often as I can.

“The food is great, the people are nice and friendly.

“It hasn’t changed in 40 years.

“It is a great place to go to relax and just be quiet.

“Everything seems to go a bit slower up there.”

Although his wife and children often shop in Bury’s historic streets, Mr Wyman said it has been years since he visited the town.

Now topping an impressive bill alongside singer Lulu during the three-day festival from July 22 to 24, Mr Wyman said it would be nice to see the picturesque place again.

“The Abbey Gardens are beautiful so, as long as the weather is good, it is going to be great,” he said.

“We have a lot of laughs on stage. It is just good-time stuff, playing music in the right way.”

Having played in the Rolling Stones for three decades from 1962 until 1992, Mr Wyman said it was nice to play with the new outfit.

“It is fun to do,” he said. “There’s no pressure.

“You haven’t got to worry about image or hit singles or anything like that.

“We just get out there and have a good time and go home with a smile on our faces.”

Tickets for the gig are available from the University of East Anglia’s box office on 01603 508050 or at www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk/events

For information about Abbeyfest 2011, visit www.abbeygardensfestival.co.uk