Cockermouth LIVE is back this year and has announced its headliner.

Edward II, an eight-piece reggae band from Manchester, have been going since the 1990s, blending rhythms of the Caribbean with traditional songs from the British Isles.

Organisers believe the upbeat, rock-steady rhythms, blazing horns, fabulous harmonies and fiery melodeon melodies - the band toured festivals throughout 2022 - will bring the party back to Cockermouth in style.

Spokesman Tom Speight said the band has been touring all the festivals in the last year "and now we have got them."

He said the summer festival promises to be bigger and better than ever.

"While we are thrilled to announce the headline band for the 14th Cockermouth LIVE!, the line-up, as ever, will mainly be about local musicians and performers – with a little more space this year for slightly longer sets and more time to perform.

"We’re aiming to put on more performances and activities on Sunday, including, of course, the Cockermouth Community Orchestra. And we have one or two new events for this year too."

Times and Star: Chris Bridgeman predicts a better-than-ever Cockermouth LIVE!Chris Bridgeman predicts a better-than-ever Cockermouth LIVE! (Image: Submitted)

The Chairman of Cockermouth LIVE!, Chris Bridgman said: "With a refreshed steering group, we're delighted to be expanding the festival, responding to the enthusiasm of audiences and performers alike - we've already had local performers anxious to know when they can sign up.

"It's shaping up to be a packed weekend, with a rich range of activities across a wide variety of venues - including performances at Cockermouth Castle on both the Saturday and Sunday."

The festival will run from Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2. To be part of the festival or for more information contact: info@cockermouthfestival.org