Music fans have snapped up all the tickets to see soul legends Billy Ocean and Alexander O'Neal perform at this year's Castle Concerts.

The Soul Party is the first of this year's shows to sell out.

The eagerly anticipated concert will see the two veteran stars share the stage in Rochester Castle Gardens on Friday, July 20.

Ocean, a former tailor in London's Savile Row, will perform his string of hits on the evening, including the song that gave him his first break - Love Really Hurts Without You.

Britain's biggest black recording star, Billy Ocean has sold more than 30 million records in his career.

Ocean will be joined by Eighties sensation O'Neal, who has released eight albums, clocking up more than 162 weeks on the album chart, and still holds a record for an African-American performer by selling out six nights at Wembley Arena.

A spokesman for Medway Council said: "We're obviously delighted that Soul Party has sold out so quickly, and the rest of the concerts are also selling very fast.

"So we would urge everyone to get their tickets sooner rather than later."

The other concerts this year are Jools Holland, making his return to the Castle Gardens on Wednesday, July 18, comeback popsters Steps on Thursday, July 19, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with the traditional Castle Proms on Saturday, July 21.

Tickets are still available. To book, visit www.medwayticketslive.co.uk or phone the box office on 01634 338338.