NORTHALLERTON’S answer to the Glastonbury Festival - without the muddy fields - is returning to the town after a successful first year.

The Fleecetonbury Music Festival was a hit with music-lovers when it first launched at the The Fleece Inn last summer and organisers have announced it is back for 2017.

And this year it will be boosted by top headliner Inspiral Carpets’ Tom Hingley.

Organisers Nev and Michelle Craggs of The Fleece have also decided to extend the festival and add an extra day to make it a three-day affair.

Running from April 14, the festival will feature dozens of unsigned bands from all around the country playing on two stages over the three days.

Friday’s headliners are Dead Sea Skulls, which have have been described by critics as “one of the most exciting unsigned bands” around.

Saturday’s headliner is former member of Catfish and The Bottlemen, Billy Biddy and his band The Wry Smile, already getting great reviews from festival appearances last year.

They have also released an EP ‘Bide your time’ have and their latest single ‘Substitute’ has been getting radio airplay.

The band’s sound is described as a cross between Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen.

Also appearing on the Saturday are Scottish band Vida who this year have supported The Sherlocks on their sell-out tour in Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

They have recently been in the recording studio with Steve Craddock, formerly of nineties Britpop stalwarts Ocean Colour Scene and the Paul Weller Band.

Inspiral Carpets frontman Tom Hingley tops off the festival headlining the stage on Sunday.

He will be playing some of his own ‘electric blues rock’ solo material mixed in with some “Madchester” classics.

Other bands appearing over the three days include Apollo Junction, Alex Lowe, Oditty Road, Jack Fletcher Band and more.

In total, there will be more than 30 bands playing throughout the three-day festival, with no time overlaps meaning revellers can enjoy every act.

Tickets cost £22.50 for each day or £35 for the weekend.

They are available by contacting The Fleece Inn 01609-773345 or at www.seetickets.com.