Our friend Mark Blake's recently published book, "Comfortably Numb: The Inside Story Of Pink Floyd" (titled "Pigs Might Fly" in the UK) has been very well received by the Floyd community.

Drawing on his own interviews with all of the band members, plus almost a hundred new interviews with the group's friends, road crew, producers, designers, former housemates and university colleagues, the book is from our perspective, a superb, incredibly detailed, and essential look at the band's history. Our review, and ordering information, here.

Mark is giving away 10 free signed copies of the US edition of his book, in a prize draw that you have just over a month to participate in. Go to his website - www.markrblake.com - and sign-up to the free mailing list to enter. The draw will take place on 9th August 2008. Members enjoy free entry to draws and competitions and receive regular updates on Mark Blake's new books, articles, events and news. Exclusive extracts from the book will also be posted at www.markrblake.com soon.

The world's first official tribute to the life and work of Syd Barrett has been announced today (Sunday, June 29th). The death of Pink Floyd founder and sixties icon Roger Keith "Syd" Barrett in July 2006 was greeted with great sadness all over the world. His creativity continues to inspire generations of musicians.

The City Wakes tribute will run for eleven days, between October 22nd and November 1st 2008, all in Barrett's home town of Cambridge.

As the details below reveal, the tribute will include concert performances, a pair of exhibitions including one with many previously unseen paintings by Barrett, rare memorabilia and photos, talks and signings, guided tours, a 60s-style 'happening', and a new book of interviews.

The Goodwood Festival Of Speed is a must-attend annual celebration of motor racing held in Sussex on an Earl's estate. Gathering cars (and bikes), drivers, and enthusiasts from all over the world, the event celebrates motor racing from the very early days, through to the very latest F1 cars. It is held in the grounds of Lord March's estate, near Chichester, Sussex, in the south of England, and has static displays, demonstration runs, and timed runs, up the hill past Goodwood House.

Nick Mason is a regular each year, having driven a range of classic cars from his and other's collections. At this year's event - being held from July 11th to 13th - he will be taking the wheel for the maiden drive of an authentic reconstruction of a classic, Grand Prix winning racing car from 1939, which should excite many of the petrolheads in the 150,000-strong crowd!

In the run-up to the 30th anniversary celebrations of Pink Floyd's The Wall next year, a stunning limited edition hand-signed and numbered box set will be appearing in mid-August 2008 (initially, was due in July, but date has moved slightly). Scarfe On The Wall is a highly desirable collaboration between the artist Gerald Scarfe, who recently was appointed CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, Roger Waters, and the luxury book publisher Gloria.

With just 300 copies produced, this set is bound to be popular with the serious Floyd collectors, with Scarfe collectors, and with special edition book collectors alike. As the details below reveal, it is an edition certainly worth getting if you can afford it...