THE iconic reggae sound of Bob Marley will be the main feature of this year’s Willowman Festival, in North Yorkshire, thanks to a bill-topping appearance by The Wailers.

Now in its fifth year, the event has gained a national reputation for offering an eclectic line-up of both new and established artists, while keeping ticket prices affordable.

The appearance of The Wailers is expected to draw the biggest crowd yet to the familyfriendly venue which is due to take place from June 19 to 22, at Hillside Rural Activities Park in Knayton, near Thirsk.

Together with Bob Marley, The Wailers sold in excess of 250 million albums worldwide and in England they notched up morethan 20 chart hits, including iconic tunes such as Jamming, One Love, No Woman No Cry and Buffalo Soldier.

Director Steve Williams says: “Reggae music is the beat that makes everybody dance and this year’s festival will be hosting the world’s most popular reggae band ever.

“We are delighted to have secured the appearance of Bob Marley’s Wailers and, once again, we have kept ticket prices at rock bottom.”

This is not The Wailers’ first connection with Yorkshire, because the band performed with Bob Marley at Leeds University Student Union in 1976, on the Rastaman Vibration Tour, and also at the same venue in 1973, where the band made a live recording.

The anchor of The Wailers is Aston “Family Man” Barrett, who in addition to being Marley’s most trusted lieutenant, played on countless other classic reggae hits during the 1970s.

The night before The Wailers appearance, Willowman Festival-goers can enjoy Funky Friday, when BBC Radio DJ and star of TV’s Red Dwarf Craig Charles will bring his acclaimed Funk and Soul Show to the stage. Also on the bill is North-East-based Funk and Soul band Smoove and Turrell “Every time Craig has been to Yorkshire he has had venues jumping. We are planning to make Willowman a huge open air disco for the night, and everyone is invited to don their wackiest funky fancy dress, with prizes for the best,” says Williams.

Other acts on the bill are Icicle Works frontman Ian McNabb, reformed classic punk and dub reggae band Ruts DC and festival crowdpleaser Radical Dance Faction.

Mountain of Love, featuring two founding members of Alabama 3, are also appearing, as well as up-and-coming psychedelic band New Electric Ride, who create a 1960s brand of music influenced by early Pink Floyd and The Byrds.

Pikey Beatz make a welcome return with their dance roots reggae-style. Avalanche Party debut at the event, boasting members of two local bands, The Chapman Family and 3 foot Ninja.

  • Early bird tickets are available for a limited period at £55 (which includes four nights camping) online willowmanfestival.co.uk