THE beautifully-crafted pop songs that have made Ben Goddard a hit at festivals around the country this summer will top a SO:FEST line-up that includes rock, ska, folk-punk and retro.

Southampton’s Ben and his band will join a programme that includes The Lost Souls Club, Welcome Pariah, cover heroes Davy Jones’ Locker, and hard-working ska band The Skore at the event, which is set to take over Guildhall Square and its surrounding streets on Saturday September 21.

Fickle Friends, pictured left, follow popular local folk-punk singer Sean McGowan and the show openers are upcoming youngsters Brother Goose. John Peel favourites Accrington Stanley complete the line-up.

Looking forward to the event, Ben Goddard said: “I’m really excited to be headlining an open air gig in Southampton right before I go off on tour.

“There’s a great music scene in Southampton and recognition and support here is a big deal.”

Ben is touring as part of the Radio 1 Coffee Sessions Tour, which takes breaking and established artists to Universities around the UK and his new single is out shortly.

SO:FEST celebrates the sounds of the city between midday and 9pm.

As well as live music on the main stage the Frog and Parrot Chatterbox Stage will feature a variety of spoken word and acoustic music and The Cellar Subtone stage will feature a programme of DJs.

There will also be some children’s activities and an arts market.

The festival spirit is set to continue with local bars and venues hosting indoor events after the main event ends.