FISHY LINE-UP FOR BUSKFEST

Singer songwriter Joe Echo and Dublin band Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club will take centrestage on Saturday June 19 in Solitude Park.

The up-and-coming acts will follow in the footsteps of Aslan and the Hothouse Flowers, both of whom have previously headlined the renowned musical event.

The newly refurbished Solitude Park will play host to the acts on what is hoped to be a day combining sunshine, great music and a fun-filled family atmosphere.

Joe Echo, whose real name is Ciaran Gribbin, previously sang with Belfast band Leya. Now Banbridge-bound, Joe has supported stars including Paolo Nutini and had Verve drummer Pete Salisbury play on one of his tracks.

The Derry man is currently working with the legendary Paul Oakenfold and a former U2 and Rolling Stones producer and said he has never been happier to make music and entertain the masses.

Jerry Fish and the Mud Bug Club formed in 2002 and can boast to having dueted with acts including world-renowned Dublin singer Imelda May.

The band, whose style has been described as "swampadelic and smhoozy", is known for its jazzy sound and use of brass instruments. Having played V Festival, Glastonbury and Oxegen, Jerry and the gang are set to take the town by storm.

As ever various musical acts will line the town's main street to compete for the prestigious winning titles icluding Best Individual, Best Band, Best Street Performer, Best Junior and Best Junior runner-up.

The top cash prize will see the winner walk away with 1,000. If you are interested in registering to take part in the competition, you can visit www.buskfest.com. The event is organised by Banbridge District Council with support from Tesco NI.