SOME of the area's up-and-coming bands are being given the chance to play alongside some stellar names after being included in the line-up for the Summer Days Festival in the Ribble Valley in July.

Organisers of Summer Days have revealed that 10 artists will perform in the ground of Clitheroe Castle sharing a stage with the likes of Simply Red, Echo and the Bunnymen and Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

Spandau Ballet's Steve Norman, one of the key figures in the three-day event, said: "It has always been our intention to give local bands a showcase at such a prestigious festival and we have listened to a lot of demos and seen a number of live shows to assess what is out there.

“We’ve been very surprised at the quality of so many local bands which has made choosing some for the festival even more difficult. But they show what a thriving music scene there is locally which reinforces our decision to bring a top quality music festival to the Ribble Valley.

"The addition of these local unsigned bands to a line-up which includes some major names only enhances what is destined to become an unforgettable three days this summer and we know that it will be a special occasion for the both bands and festivalgoers alike.”

On the opening day of the festival on Wednesday, July 6, Villiers, The Remedy, Solid Rock and The Clitheroe Ukulele Orchestra will all be performing.

The day will be headlined by Simply Red with other major names including Gabrielle, Roachford, The Christians, Peter Hook and the Light and Mike Peters of the Alarm.

On Friday, July 8, Rothwell, The Wrangling and D-R-I-V-E will be performing alongside headliners Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Caro Emerald, Shed Seven, Space, The Farm, Tom Robinson and the Neville Staple Band.

Then on the final day of the festival, Saturday, July 9, Good Foxy and New York Tourists will be playing alongside headliners Echo and the Bunnymen, Everything Everything, the Lightning Seeds, Circa Waves and John Power.

The Clitheroe Pop Choir will kick things off on the final day.

Good Foxy said: “We are playing lots of festivals over the summer but playing in our home town is fantastic especially with this great line up. This is great for Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley and we are delighted to be part of it. We can’t wait.”

Up to 10,000 music fans are expected to enjoy the festival each day. As well as the live music there will also be a locally-sourced gourmet food village and a dedicated real ale area.

More artists are yet to be announced.

Tickets for each day are available summerdaysfestival.com.