The headline acts of a South Norfolk town's new festival have been announced.

Eastern Daily Press: New Town Kings will be performing at Gig in the Park. Picture: ArchantNew Town Kings will be performing at Gig in the Park. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Organisers of the Gig in the Park in Diss have made the announcement ahead of the inaugural 2018 event.

The big name announced for Saturday, July 28 are The Blockheads, the legendary band behind Ian Dury, the late frontman of Ian Dury and The Blockheads, who hit the charts with Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick and Reasons To Be Cheerful Part Three.

They have since grow in stature from the early days with the Stiff Tour in 1977 right up to present day with current frontman Derek Hussey.

Organiser Geoff Dixon said: 'We are excited to make this announcement, we have already sold so many tickets for Gig in the Park without announcing who is playing, and we hope that the people of Diss will want to be there for this amazing event.'

Eastern Daily Press: Doctor and the Medics will be headlining Gig in the Park. Picture: ArchantDoctor and the Medics will be headlining Gig in the Park. Picture: Archant

Joining The Blockheads as headliners on Friday, July 27 are the New Town Kings - a ska and reggae band originating from Essex.

On Sunday, July 29 Doctor and the Medics will relive their standout hit Spirit In The Sky from the 1980s.

The three day festival features more than 40 bands across two stages, a specially created children's play area as well as sellers and food stalls.

Fellow organiser Silas Rayner said: 'This is an exciting time for us now. The contracts are signed with the three headline bands and we will be posting the full line-up on the website.

Organisers are bringing their own pirate ship to Diss Carnival, Sunday, June 10, which fires smoke and streamers with resident DJs providing entertainment in Diss Park in the afternoon.

They are also bringing a giant Octopus which will be sited on the Rotary Club raft in the mere.

Entrants for Diss's Got Talent will be performing on the big stage with the winner announced over the weekend.

Mr Rayner added: 'This is a first for Diss and we hope that everyone comes for a great weekend outdoors, listening to great live music.'

There will be 10 gold envelopes hidden around Diss on Carnival Day, containing free family tickets to Gig in the Park.

For more information go to www.gig-in-the-park.co.uk