A NORTH Yorkshire festival has announced 1980s chart-toppers Soul II Soul as headliners for its 2017 event.

The Willowman Festival, which takes place near Thirsk, will also feature reggae stars Aswad who had hits in the 1980s and 1990s.

Soul II Soul became household names in 1989 with the chart success of dance anthems Keep On Moving and Back To Life.

Reggae favourite Aswad formed in the mid-1970s the band has released 21 albums and had several UK hit singles including chart-topping Don’t Turn Around and top five release Shine.

Transglobal Underground has also joined the bill bringing their unique fusion of western Asian and African music to Willowman.

The four-day family friendly Willowman Festival will take place at the Hillside Rural Activities Park in Knayton, near Thirsk, from June 15 and 18.

Billing itself as the UK’s best value four-day music festival, Willowman includes free parking, free camping and a range of real-ales at pub prices.

Festival goers can currently buy spring-saver tickets for £70 per adult before they eventually rise to £90.

Festival director Steve Williams said: “Every year the festival has grown as we build a reputation for fun, friendliness and great music. The ale prices are pegged again at a sensible price for 2017.

“Judging by our early bird ticket sales 2017 is already heading for a sell out and we have more acts to unveil. I think as well as the great music people are coming for the vibe and a few great days away.

“We are finding more and more groups of friends are using the festival for annual get-togethers, reunions and celebrations, so come and join us.”

For tickets visit www.willowmanfestival.co.uk