Indie superstars James join the line-up for this year’s Black Deer Festival in Eridge Park.

Best known for smash hit singles Sit Down and Laid, James are the latest act to join the blues, roots and Americana festival near Tunbridge Wells.

The festival, which takes place from Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19, was postponed last summer due to the pandemic.

James will be performing alongside some huge names, including Van Morrison, Wilco, Jake Bugg and Imelda May, all of whom have already been announced.

The much-loved Manchester band released their debut album Stutter in 1986 and have since gone on to sell more than 25 million albums worldwide. They are once again joined by renowned frontman Tim Booth, who initially left the band in 2001 before returning several years later.

Other new artists announced to perform across the weekend include Grammy-nominated Nashville star Cam, Americana band Hiss Golden Messenger and folk-pop favourites Darlingside.

Speaking of the festival, Hiss Golden Messenger have said: “We are absolutely thrilled to play Black Deer this year. After so many years away from the UK due to Covid, we can’t wait to return to a place that continues to be very special to us.”

Along with a jam-packed line-up of live music, Black Deer Festival has also confirmed plenty of tasty treats for festival-goers to enjoy over the weekend.

Chefs appearing this year include BBC stars Hang Fire, Southern Kitchen’s Sam Evans and Shauna Guinn, Twe12ve Fires’ John Relihan and best-selling author Genevieve Taylor.

The Gospel Brunch, known for bringing a congregation together on the Sunday morning for free food and traditional sing-alongs, will also return for this year’s festival.

Festival co-founders Gill Tee and Deb Shilling said: “Black Deer is not just about hearing the music you love, it’s about discovering music you’re going to love and experiencing the unique cultural richness that surrounds this popular way of life we call Americana.

“The natural ingredients that complete this simple melting pot can all be found at Black Deer – from authentic smokehouse BBQ cooking and a righteous Sunday gospel brunch to the thrill of custom motorcycle culture and a connection with nature to inspire the young folk, the festival is a community gathering for those who love to get it together in the country.”

Black Deer Festival takes place from Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19. Book online here.