Preparations are well under way for one of the biggest live events in Dereham's history.

Hundreds of Jimi Hendrix fans are expected to paint the town purple tonight, as they celebrate 50 years since the legendary musician played a gig in Dereham.

Two tribute concerts, both at 9pm, have been organised to celebrate the day the Jimi Hendrix Experience played at the town's Wellington Club.

Top tribute act Purple Jimi will play a free entry gig at the Railway Tavern pub in the town and landlord Paul Sandford said he expects the venue to be full.

He said: 'One guy is coming 200 miles for the gig because he was at the original Hendrix gig 50 years ago.'

Tickets for the Norfolk Blues Society gig at The Metro in Dereham tonight have also been selling well.

Organiser Doreen Aitken said they were really looking forward to it.

Bands playing at The Metro include Dave Thomas, Ron Sayer & friends and Against the Grain and each will play from different Hendrix eras.

Mrs Aitken said: 'Against The Grain has the same line-up, apart from the drummer, that played a gig 25 years ago on the 20th anniversary of Hendrix's death.

'They have decided to play some of the lesser known songs for the real die-hard Hendrix fans, and from his Band of Gypsys album. There are some beautiful songs.'

Are you going to either gig? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk