TONY Hadley will kick off an all-star Wickham Festival on Thursday.

The Spandau Ballet frontman tops the bill on the opening night, then the following night the Stranglers and Bruce Foxton’s From the Jam will be the main attractions at the event, which was voted best Festival (Under 15,000 capacity) at last year’s Live UK Music Business awards.

Headlining on Saturday will be the SAS Band with a line-up which will include Queen drummer Roger Taylor, former Marillion lead singer Fish, Madeline Bell and solo artist/actress Toyah Willcox before Lindisfarne close the four-day event on Sunday August 7.

They will be supported by the Trevor Horn Band who are likely to perform a range of hits produced by the legendary frontman who worked closely with Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

Also on the bill are the Oysterband plus Chas & Dave, not to mention Steeleye Span, Hayseed Dixie and festival favourites the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Festival organiser Peter Chegwyn said: “We are thrilled with this year’s line-up which has something for everyone."

In addition to the three regular stages, there will now be a fourth platform where local and unsigned bands can perform with a view to possibly landing themselves a contract or at least gaining further exposure.

There will be the usual array of craft and clothing stalls as well as a wide variety of high quality food outlets and a wide range of activities for children who can roam safely.

Tickets are available from wickhamfestival.co.uk

BLOB Turn to page XX where Tony Hadley looks forward to playing Wickham and talks Spandau splits and brand new hits....