AFTER speculation and rumour, the final two acts to perform in this year’s Medway Summer Concerts, have been revealed.

The opening night at Rochester Castle Gardens on Thursday, July 13, will be buzzing with the sound of the Sugababes – Europe’s biggest-selling girl group.

Then on Friday, July 21, Van Morrison, one of the biggest names in the music business, who has recorded jazz, rock, R&B, blues, Celtic and skiffle during a career spanning 40 years, will take to the stage.

The Sugababes have established themselves as a hugely successful group since their formation seven years ago. Following the departure of Mutya Buena, Amelle Berrabah has joined the remaining two girls.

The Sugababes, who also have a Brit Award, kicked off 2006 with international promotion of their latest single Red Dress, the third single from their album, which was released on March 6.

Other hits include Freak Like Me, Round Round, Hole in the Head and Push the Button.

Van the Man’s distinctive voice has allowed him, over the years, to follow his own soulful instincts wherever they take him.

His early career saw him leading an Irish band to his early solo days of Brown Eyed Girl and TB Sheets to masterpieces in the 1960s and 1970s including Astral Weeks, Moondance and Tupelo Honey.

Recent albums have included Irish Heartbeat – a collaboration with the Chieftains, Avalon Sunset, Enlightenment, The Healing Game and Magic Time.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, April 3. They can be purchsed from the online ticket agent www.ticketmaster.co.uk, via the telephone booking service on 0870 534 4444, or from Medway Visitor Information Centre on Rochester High Street.

Tickets to see the Sugababes cost £26 and tickets for Van Morrison cost £29.