Since 1998, boy band A1 have stolen the hearts of fans worldwide. Now in their 19th year, they will be heading to West Cumbria for Townfest.

Townfest promising pop music lovers a chance to go ‘back in the day’ with the likes of Atomic Kitten, 5ive, A1 and Kelly Llorenna headlining the day-long gig.

There will also be support from Late Night Legacy, Amy Pearce, Holborn Hillbillies, Reptillians, Dicky Dippinson and more to be announced.

Fans of A1 are delighted the band are featuring in the line-up for the gig, organised by Workington Town RL club, on May 20.

Member Mark Read said: “When we got announced for the bill we received so many tweets and messages off fans who are excited for us to visit Workington.

"But we honestly cannot remember the last time we visited Cumbria – it’s a beautiful part of the UK.”

The boy band began in the 1990s, consisting of Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark and Ben Adams.

Original member and founder Paul Marazzi was a member from 1998 until 2002.

Their debut single, Be the First to Believe , entered the UK singles chart at number six in mid 1999.

They achieved success in the UK and other parts of the world in the late 1990s and early 2000s, scoring two number ones and eight top 10 hits.

They also won a Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act in 2001.

With the 20-year anniversary creeping up next year, Mark admitted it’s a bittersweet moment.

“On the one hand we want to shy away from the fact we have been around 20 years, but then on the other hand it’s cool because we still have such a strong and dedicated fan-base.”

Joining the bill once again with fellow heart-throb boy band 5ive, A1 are looking forward to being around the big pop names.

“We’ve done so many tours with 5ive, back in the day, such as the Smash Hits tour. We had a brilliant time,” said Mark.

Despite 5ive and A1 being two of the biggest boy bands at the time, there was more than enough coverage of their rivalry which Mark admitted was all nonsense.

“It was all made up for the magazines. We would even hang out with 5ive. I can’t say I’m on their Christmas card list but we still get along.”

With TownFest just a few months away, West Cumbrian fans are eagerly awaiting the bands to head to the county for a day of live music, and A1 are equally as excited, said Mark.

“Fans can expect a show with the likes of Like a Rose, Same Old Brand New You, Caught in the Middle, One Last Song – as clichéd as it sounds, we’ll be doing all of our hits and more!” he said.

Tickets for TownFest are available from Workington Town rugby club.