BRITISH music icons Elbow and Simply Red will headline two of the extra five nights at next summer's Lytham Festival it has been revealed.

Simply Red will take to the stage on Wednesday, July 6 with Bury's finest, Elbow, headlining the following evening Thursday, July 7.

Festival director Peter Taylor said: “Lytham Festival 2022 is shaping up to be a year to remember. We now have nine first class headliners and we still have one huge announcement to make.

“Adding two British icons of music with Elbow and Simply Red just makes our headliner acts even stronger and for both artists to be North-West grown talent also makes this very strong for our bill.

“The reaction to every artist announced so far has been tremendous so we can’t wait to welcome 200,000 people to enjoy live music once again on our wonderful Lytham Green.”

In 2022, Lytham Festival will be a 10-day event running from Tuesday, June 28 and Sunday, July 10.

As well as unveiling two more headliners, the organisers have confirmed a number of support artists.

Simply Red will be joined by special guest Lisa Stansfield while Lytham Festival favourite and vocal powerhouse Marisha Wallace will open the show.

For Elbow, support will come from Richard Hawley.

Singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti will support Motown legend Diana Ross who kicks off the festival on Tuesday, June 28, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi will be joined by fellow Scottish singer Luke La Volpe on Wednesday 29 and indie rockers Snow Patrol will be supported by Irish rock band Kodaline with popular singer-songwriter and musician Jade Bird opening their show on Thursday 30.

Friday, July 1 sees British music icons Duran Duran joined by electronic duo Goldfrapp and flamboyant rock band Walt Disco, while international superstar Lionel Richie headlines on Saturday, July 2 with support from US girl group TLC while Craig Charles will kick off the party with his Funk & Soul DJ set.

It has already been announced that US rockers The Strokes will be supported by Irish post punk band Fontaines DC on Friday, July 8, while timeless favourites Tears For Fears will be joined by special guest Alison Moyet on Saturday, July 9 with Australian pop star Natalie Imbruglia opening the show.

Details of the festival closing headliner will be revealed later.

Tickets for Elbow and Simply Red will go on sale at 9am on Friday from www.lythamfestival.com