SOUTHEND Music Festival is set to be boosted by a further “big name” addition to the line-up.

Excitement is building for the festival at Southend Airport which is expected to draw in more than 10,000 people across September 2-4.

Already confirmed are the likes of Damon Albarn, of Blur and Gorillaz fame, and Rochford-born jazz-pop singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum.

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And a source close to the festival told the Echo another “big name” was due to be announced soon.

Councillor Carole Mulroney, responsible for culture and tourism, confirmed more acts “will be announced in the coming days.”

The news follows a site-visit by festival officials on Tuesday as they inspected the airport's progress towards hosting the landmark event.

Jamie Cullum, who is playing his first Essex gig in a decade, said: "To have been asked to participate is a real honour and in the county of my birth makes it that extra special.

“Bringing culture and music from another continent to Essex, in the year of Southend gaining city status is something that should be celebrated, welcomed and devoured.”

Sam Duckworth – who performs as Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. – is heavily involved in organising the festival, says the weekend will give residents “a chance to experience and enjoy world leading artists”.

He added: “The festival will feature people you’ve heard of, in ways you’ve never heard before. The return of legends and your first glimpse to see future legends.”

Held at inside an aircraft hangar, headline artists include Moonchild Sanelly, Jack Steadman of Bombay Bicycle Club, Africa Express, Fabio and Grooverider and the Outlook Orchestra.

Tickets are currently on sale for £20, however Southend Council has remained tight-lipped on how many have been sold so far.

David Stanley, founder of the Music Man project who are also performing at the event, said: “Our equal billing as a headline act alongside superstars like Jamie Cullum and Damon Albarn shows just how far our incredible musicians with learning disabilities have come. It says so much about the value our community places on inclusive Arts and Culture.

 

“Southend truly is a leading light for the country in this area.”