A MUSICIAN who has been hosting guitar shows for almost two decades is bringing his popular event back to Aintree Racecourse Exhibition Centre on Sunday, November 26.

Peter Hoarty, from Cinnamon Brow, who runs the shows with his wife Gail, fell in love with music when he was about 13 and saw the Beatles on Granada TV.

He decided to host events in 1998 when his collection of around 50 1960s valve amplifiers and numerous guitars were beginning to take over his house.

The Lockerbie Close resident’s latest event is The Merseyside Guitar Show which is celebrating 15 years at the same venue.

It has developed into one of the UK’s biggest shows dedicated to guitars.

Set over four floors, there will be more than 100 exhibitors, collectors and dealers under one roof showcasing new, second-hand and vintage guitars, amps and accessories.

As well as workshops and demos there will be a live stage featuring Germany’s Thomas Blug and his band, folk duo The Huers, prog/metal player Przemek Druzkowski and a workshop performance by James Roberts.

In 1997 Thomas Blug was named ‘best German rock-pop guitarist’ by Deutscher Rock Musik Verband and in 2004, the 50th birthday of the Stratocaster, he was called ‘Strat king of Europe’ after a huge competition.

Peter is also known for being a member of the Warrington tribute band, Golden Eagles.

n The Merseyside Guitar Show takes place at Aintree Racecourse Exhibition Centre on Sunday, November 2, from 10am to 4pm.

Admission is £7 on the door. Under 12s are free.

For more information visit guitarshows.co.uk Phone 01925 813185