The Rochester Castle Concerts return this year with another star-studded line up, starting with the Human League, Altered Image and Blancmange, followed by James Blunt, Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire and The Specials.

The concert series, which takes place in the beautiful grounds with the historic castle as a backdrop, has featured artists such as The Libertines, Blondie, UB40 and Craig David in the past.

With the iconic outdoor venue set to host four back-to-back nights of incredible live music, it’s looking like this year will be one to remember.

Kicking off the series of concerts on Wednesday, July 6 is ‘80s legends the Human League.

The Sheffield-formed group had massive success with hits such as Don't You Want Me, which made its mark as Christmas No. 1 in 1981.

The band will no doubt be performing even more of their synth-wave crowd-pleasers, including Together in Electric Dreams, Fascination and Mirror Man, at the castle concert.

The trio will be supported by London synth-pop act Blancmange, who found fame in the 1980s with three studio albums, and Scottish new-wave band Altered Images, whose Top 40 singles include Happy Birthday and I Could Be Happy.

The Human League will be setting the bar high for James Blunt, who will be performing the following evening.

The singer, who shot to fame with the No. 1 hit You're Beautiful, released his debut album, Back to Bedlam, in 2004.

The record has since become the 17th best-selling album in the UK of all time.

Joining James will be the X Factor soul singer Rebecca Ferguson and indie pop group the Lottery Winners.

Al McKay's Earth, Wind and Fire are next up, performing in the castle grounds on Friday, July 8.

McKay joined the legendary band - known for hits like September, Boogie Wonderland and Let's Groove - in 1973. He eventually left the group in 1981.

The Earth, Wind and Fire Experience was formed in 1990 when the original band went on hiatus and now features former members of the band as well as Tower of Power and the Doobie Brothers.

The group were announced as the replacements after Cameo - known for hits such as Word Up and Candy - had to cancel, and will be joined by special guests Third World, The Dualers and the James Taylor Quartet.

Rounding up the four-night extravaganza are ska legends The Specials, who will go out with a bang on Saturday, July 9.

The band gained worldwide exposure owing to their haunting 1981 anthem, Ghost Town.

They will be supported by The Beat, featuring original vocalist and songwriter Dave Wakeling along with reggae vocalist Hollie Cook and British soul group Stone Foundation.

The Rochester Castle Concerts take place from Wednesday, July 6 to Saturday, July 9. Book tickets online here.