AMERICAN hip-hop legends Public Enemy have been announced as the headline act of a North-East music festival this summer.

The multi-platinum selling group, which includes members Chuck D, Flavor Flav, DJ Lord, The S1W group, Khari Wynn and Professor Griff, head to the Stockton Weekender with one of the most impressive back catalogues in rap music.

Named in Rolling Stone Magazines 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and inducted in to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 the group will perform hits such as Don’t Believe The Hype, Bring The Noise, Fight The Power, Get Up Stand Up and Harder Than You Think, which was the official theme tune to the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Tees Music Alliance (TMA) have also announced that Happy Mondays, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Peter Hook and The Light, Reverend and The Makers and The Amazing Snakeheads will also perform across the two outdoor stages and comedian Lee Nelson will headline in The Wunderbar Tent.

‘Madchester’ legends Happy Mondays return to Teesside with a stack of anthems such as Kinky Afro, Step On, 24 Hour Party People and Loose Fit.

Paul Burns, TMA director, said: “2014 is shaping up to be a vintage year for Stockton Weekender and one not to be missed.

"The festival has a real reputation for being a great couple of days of fun and socialising – add a bunch of great bands into the mix and it’s the perfect recipe for a memorable part of everyone’s summer.

“It’s noticeable how many of the North-East’s music festivals are dropping off the calendar for various reasons – and we’ve got to admit it’s a tough time for large scale events in our part of the world.

"We hope local people will come out and support Stockton Weekender – showing the rest of the country that we too can have great events right here on our doorstep.”

Tickets for the festival went on sale in February and loyal festivalgoers have been snapping up the Early Bird Weekend ticket priced at £35, subject to booking fees.

The price is available until Wednesday, April 30 and on Thursday, May 1, day tickets will be released and weekend prices will rise.

Tickets for the event on July 26 and 27 are available online from www.stocktonweekender.co.uk or by calling 01642-606525.