Pigeon Detectives, The Brand New Heavies and X Factor favourite Marcus Collins are among the big names set to perform at King's Lynn's Festival Too, it was announced last night.

More than 50,000 people from across Norfolk and beyond are expected to gather in the Tuesday Market Place for a series of concerts this summer.

The two-week event - one of Europe's largest free music festivals - will open with a fireworks spectacular on Monday, June 4, as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

There will be performances from local band The Yesterdays and Queen tribute act The Bohemians from 7.30pm, followed by the lighting of the Jubilee beacon at 10.15pm and the fireworks display.

The weekend gigs will then be held as usual on July 6 and 7 and July 13 and 14.

Chart-toppers Soul II Soul, best known for their hit Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) and punk, ska and reggae band The Selecter are also on the bill.

'One again, this year's Festival Too line up is very special indeed,' committee member Alan Taylor said. 'The festival is in its 27th year now and is just keeps getting better with age!

'The committee is pleased to announce our superb acts and they will, as always, appeal to a broad audience.

'This year we launch on Monday, June 4 in King Staithe Square to jointly celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the night will end in our biggest and best fireworks ever!

'We are so proud to have these acts on our stage for the people of west Norfolk and beyond to enjoy for free.'

Mr Taylor said the concerts often attracted people from across the UK and even overseas.

'Some people from Japan booked their holiday around the festival so they could come and see Midge Ure,' he added. 'We also had someone from Finland come over to see Beverley Knight - the festival really puts King's Lynn on the map.

'The town can also benefit from 50,000 visits during the event.'

Previous performers include Atomic Kitten, Deacon Blue, Lemar, The Human League, 10cc and Sophie Ellis Bexter. American rocker Suzi Quatro is thought to have attracted one of the biggest crowds in the festival's history.

Find out more at www.festivaltoo.co.uk.