SPANDAU Ballet star Steve Norman has been revealed as consultant and curator of the new summer music festival planned for the Ribble Valley next year.

Steve, saxophonist with the chart-topping band, will play a key role in the Summer Days Festival to be held in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle in July.

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Simply Red have already been announced as headliners for the first day of the festival and now more big pop names have been revealed for the opening day on Wednesday, July 6.

Brit Award winner Gabrielle, best known for the hits Dreams and Rise, will be supporting Simply Red along with Liverpool band The Christians and singer Andrew Roachford, who had major success with the singles Cuddly Toy and Family Man.

Steve Norman said: “I’ve visited the area many times and I just love the Ribble Valley, the scenery is stunning and the people are so friendly.

“I’ve also known the organisers for a long time and we’ve often talked about working together on a festival project in the region.

“Clitheroe Castle is an incredible setting for a music festival and I’m really excited to be part of it.

“Summer Days Festival is going to be very special indeed.

“The festival will be a showcase for local bands and artists.”

The event is planned over three days.

Two more headline acts for Friday, July 7, and Saturday, July 8, and full supporting line-up are yet to be revealed.

Simply Red unexpectedly announced at the end of last year that they would be reforming this autumn for a 30th anniversary European tour — the “Big Love Tour 2015”.

The line-up for the reunion tour is the same as Simply Red’s last formation with the exception of Roman Roth replacing Pete Lewinson as drummer.

Another major addition to the festival is Michelin-starred chef Nigel Haworth who is to become the festival’s food ambassador.

Nigel, who runs the award-winning Northcote at Langho and Ribble Valley Inns, said: “I am delighted to be involved at the beginning of this exciting journey for Summer Days Festival.

“As I am from this area, it gives me particular pleasure to be able to work with local suppliers developing a fantastic food experience at the heart and soul of the festival.”

Nigel will be working with the best Lancastrian suppliers and ingredients to produce some exclusive food highlights for the festival.

There will be two live stages with 30 bands playing over the three days plus a food village with dedicated real ale area.

Tickets for the first day are on sale from summerdaysfestival.com