CROONER Sir Tom Jones has been named as the big name headliner for this summer's Cornbury Festival.

The Welsh singer, who has had a string of hits over five decades, will top the bill at the three-day music event at Great Tew, near Chipping Norton.

Festival director Hugh Phillimore said last night he was delighted to land the heartthrob and star of BBC 1's The Voice, admitting the booking followed lengthy negotiations.

Joining Sir Tom on the bill at the 12th instalment of the popular festival from July 10 to 12, are Motown legends Martha Reeves and the Vandellas; Billy Ocean; country music artists Hanks Wangford, The Shires and Ward Thomas; pop acts The Fratellis, Razorlight and Blue; and 'rockney' duo Chas and Dave.

Also appearing are American Roots Rock sisters Larkin Poe, alternative folk act Paper Aeroplanes, blues artists Joanne Shaw-Taylor and James Hunter, rising stars Jack Savoretti, Chastity Brown and The Harbour, and X Factor group Only The Young.

They join the previously announced Supertramp singer Roger Hodgson. Further acts are expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

Mr Phillimore said he was delighted with this year's bill, which is among the most impressive in the festival's history.

"It's not a bad line-up at all," he said. "We have been after Sir Tom for a while and I'm happy we have finally got him after some protracted negotiations."

He said he could not wait to see the other artists in action too, adding: "Billy Ocean is a great performer and his set should make for a fantastic finale. We've been looking at getting Martha Reeves for quite a while too and it's great she is now ready to come. Lots of the other stuff is also interesting. Paper Aeroplanes are fantastic and Chas and Dave will be brilliant."

With a capacity of 14,000 people a day, Cornbury is among the county's largest festivals and traditionally attracts a number of celebrity visitors, being popular with the nearby Chipping Norton set.

David Cameron and his family are regular guests as are Top Gear stars Jeremy Clarkson and James May, and comedian Dom Joly. Its star-studded guestlist, Champagne and Pimms bars and exclusive VIP area have earned Cornbury the affectionate nickname 'Poshstock'.

Mr Phillimore added: "This year's line-up ticks a lot of boxes and I'm chuffed to bits we've got all bases covered. We really have got something for all the family.

"Now we just need some luck with the weather!"

For tickets, go to Cornburymusicfestival.com or call 0844 338 0000.

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