A COUNTY music festival has secured a major new act for next year.

The Sunshine Festival in Upton Upon Severn has signed up James Blunt to perform next August in the town.

The five-time Grammy nominated and Brit Award winning artist returned to action in October 2019 with the release of "Once Upon a Mind" and will be performing from this, as well as his well-known songs including "You're Beautiful" and "Goodbye My Lover" from his 2004 album "Back to Bedlam".

Speaking about his album, he said: "I think this is the most honest album I've ever made. 

"Back To Bedlam was similar in that I wrote about my life experiences at the time and they came together on my debut.

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"And every song on this album also stands for something that I am currently experiencing or experiencing more recently is a very personal album and I'm proud to be able to share it with the world. "

James Blunt is one of several big name acts who have signed up for the Sunshine Festival in recent years.

In 2019, Busted played the festival, held over the August bank holiday weekend.

A Sunshine Festival spokesman said: "To date, James Blunt has sold more than 24 million albums. Internationally, he was allowed to collect around 170 platinum plates.

"He shines with wit and charm on his highly entertaining Twitter account and he is able to entertain his countless fans very well on Facebook. 

"He demonstrates wonderful entertainer qualities on stage. 

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"His shows are real musical highlights, but it is only through the warmth, sympathy and humour that the singer radiates that they become such special experiences."

Next year's Sunshine Festival takes place between August 26 and 30.

This year's festival had to be cancelled as the coronavirus pandemic hit the events industry.

Held at Fish Meadow, just outside the town, the festival sees thousands of visitors go to the town to enjoy a week of music and fun.

For more information about Sunshine Festival and for more information about tickets, head to www.uptonfestival.co.uk/