FUNKED-UP hip-hop band Big Dog have been added to the bill of two of the summer's major festivals.

They are among a number of local bands playing at top events, ensuring East Lancashire is well-represented on the big stages.

Described as The Specials for a new millennium, Big Dog will play both legs of V2001, which takes place in Staffordshire and Chelmsford on July 18 and 19, followed by appearances at the Carling Weekend Reading/Leeds festival, on August 24 and 25.

Fronted by Manchester rapper Kermit, the band features guitarist Mark Jones on guitar, drummer Ged Lynch and bassist Danny Williams, all from Oswaldtwistle.

Since they signed to Jive Records, the quartet have put out two singles. Their new release, In The Middle, this week rewarded the lads with a shedful of praise in the national media.

Mark Jones said the band were buzzing as interest gathered momentum almost by the week. He said: "Things are great at the moment. MTV are playing the video 25 times a week and the gigging is going great, with people being really blown away by the shows."

Their debut album, Solid Nourishment, is released on July 9, giving the group's growing fan base the chance to digest the new songs before their festival appearances.

Mark added: "We're looking forward to the festivals. Things have just got better and better and, with the album out well before we get there, it's going to be brilliant."

Also confirmed for V2001 are Starsailor, who will perform on alternate days to Big Dog.

Starsailor, fronted by Chorley's James Walsh, will also be at T In the Park in Scotland later in the summer, as well as at gigs abroad.

Burnley anarchists Chumbawamba will be at the Guildford Live event in August. Although they are playing across Europe, their only appearance in UK will be on the main stage on August 4. Tompaulin will be also be at the event.