PROTEST song legend, Billy Bragg, will be playing the main stage of the Wychwood Festival on the opening night.

In his famous hit, "A New England", Bragg wrote "I was 21 years when I wrote this song"; and he's 59 now, with his passion for social justice still burning.

A spokesman said: "Billy Bragg is now confirmed to play the Wychwood main stage on the Friday night (June 2) in what is set to be an extraordinary show. With big hits such as California Stars and When The Roses Bloom Again his music is massively centred on delivering change and inspiring the younger generation to get involved in activism.

He is one of the most inspiring protest singers to come out of the late 70s."

Other main stage signing will include the six-piece busker band CC Smugglers "delivering the best of new roots music", and these will be joined by Gloucestershire based folk rock band Harpers Ferry.

The spokesman added: "British folk singer Beans on Toast will play The Big Top alongside one man show Big Boy Bloater will be taking to the Hobgoblin Stage showcasing his phenomenal guitar skills, with many more acts and performances to be announced for

one of the UK's best loved family festivals."

The Festival will take place at Cheltenham Racecourse from June 2 to June 4.

The spokesman added: "Over the past twelve years, Wychwood Festival has cemented itself as one of the country's favourite family friendly weekends. Welcoming all generations, the festival curates a packed programme year on year with timeless greats, upcoming music, literature, comedy, children's entertainment, food and drink and more."

Further details at, www.wychwoodfestival.com