LEGENDARY Bradford band New Model Army are preparing to hit the stage as headliners for this year’s Willowman Festival in North Yorkshire.

The festival live show is one of only three outdoor UK shows confirmed by the band this summer.

Formed by Justin Sullivan in 1980, New Model Army’s politically-charged anthemic songs have earned the band cult status and their Saturday night headline appearance at Willowman this weekend will draw loyal fans from far and wide as it’s one of the band’s only UK appearances this summer.

It will be New Model Army’s second appearance at the festival after they performed in 2013.

The line up for the festival, which begins tomorrow and runs until Sunday, includes punk rock band the Angelic Upstarts, Futurehead’s frontman Barry Hyde, Jamaican reggae artist Little Roy, acoustic anarchic punk poet Captain Hotknives, singer songwriter Nerina Pallot and soul band Groove Train.

Now in its ninth year, the three-day family friendly festival will take place will be held at Hillside Rural Activities Park, in Knayton, near Thirsk.

Festival director Steve Williams said: “Year on year this festival has grown and Willowman is now firmly established on the festival calendar.

“We have welcomed people from across the country and Europe and it’s great to see so many people returning each year.

“All visitors are guaranteed a warm Yorkshire welcome as well as a good dose of fun, friendliness and above all, great music.”

For tickets, visit willowman.co.uk.