"Much-in-demand ska band The Big is coming to Hay after playing a rather special "warm-up" gig - at Glastonbury!

The Big are great crowd pleasers and are guaranteed to get the audience buzzing. Our crowd may not be as huge as Glastonbury's but our festivalgoers are certainly going to pick up a more intimate vibe here in the grounds of the castle than in the vast fields of the West Country.

And that's the essence of Hay Music festival, the friendly, chilled out atmosphere, where everything is on a human scale.

The entertainment this year will come from the Red Kite Theatre and bands and artists playing Folk, Roots, Rock, Blues, Jazz and World music, Yes it's an eclectic mix.

The event kicks off on Friday night which is dedicated to showcasing emerging talent with a line-up of young bands.

The band line up for Friday 13 July ,Saturday 14 July and Sunday 15 July is:

Friday: Star of 59, First Signs of Frost and Henan Drive.

Saturday: The Badgers, the Potboilers, the Anomalies, Red Kite Theatre, Off With Her Head, Inxile and Steve H.

Sunday: J.B.Quintet, Whisky River Boys, Jim Kirkpatrick, Red Kite Theatre, Craig Bradbury, Manu Song and The Big.

There will also be a licensed bar, food and craft stalls and of course the renowned hostelries of Hay are all close at hand.

For more information about ticket prices and the bands please go to the festival website."

Article writen by festival promoter, Mel Cooper