Hip-hop rapper Dizzee Rascal will headline the fourth Chester Rocks extravaganza this summer.
The racecourse’s annual music festival is returning for 2014, and this year features an extra day of performances to the bill, which also includes indie rock band Razorlight headlining, and pop rockers The Feeling and The Hoosiers.
Chester bands The Fallows, The Suns and The Maydays will also be performing over the weekend.
Mercury prize-winner Dizzee kicks off proceedings on Friday, June 6, while Sunday, June 8, will end with a ‘one time only’ summer party featuring stars of both series’ of ITV2’s Big Reunion show, including Five, 911, Eternal, A1, Damage and ‘super group’ 5th Story, of which Cuddington’s Adam Rickitt is a member.
This year sees the festival returning primarily to its original ‘indie’ roots, after a heavily pop-based line-up last year.
Pop starlets Jessie J, The Wanted, X Factor’s Union J, Lawson, Amelia Lily and Scarlett’s Roses were the main performers at Chester Rocks 2013, attracting crowds of more than 9,000.
The previous year, which featured Pixie Lott and The Courtneeners in the line-up saw more than 15,000 flock to the Roodee.
But organisers are no doubt hoping this year will reach the dizzy heights of the festival’s debut in 2011, when crowds of nearly 20,000 turned up to see acts like The Wanted, Iggy Pop, McFly, The Saturdays, Sugababes and Feeder descend on the city.
Event organiser Lynsey Jones told The Chronicle: “The line-up this year has a broader appeal than ever before and we’re also delighted to be showcasing local talent; we hope to see another record breaking attendance over the three days.”
Richard Thomas, Chester Racecourse’s chief executive, added: “We’re thrilled to be hosting Chester Rocks again in June this year, it’s a key feature within the Chester Racecourse calendar.
“Due to the popularity of the event last year, with a record crowd of over 9,000 people to see Jessie J, the demand for the event has now exceeded just two days and this year we are introducing Friday evening to the weekend line-up.”
Tickets for Chester Rocks 2014 go on sale on Friday (March 14) at 9am and can be purchased from www.chester-rocks. com.