Suffolk Music Festival will be ‘bigger and better’ than ever as chart topping acts announced

Stradisphere 2018: Talk In Code. Photo: Stradisphere (Image: Stradisphere)

The Stradisphere Music Festival gets underway in Stradbroke this weekend with Mercury Music Prize winner Badley Drawn Boy and multi-million selling UK number one act Sam and The Womp.

Returning for the fifth year on Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7 the festival will host a number of Norfolk performers and global acts at the Stradbroke Community Field.

Director Michael Hugman, 60, from Stradbroke, said: 'We have had four years of breaking even and being the fifth year we thought we would push the boat out and get some big names.

'People have bought tickets on the strength of the line-up, it's a big gamble but I think after four years we know what we're capable of.'

Stradisphere festival (Image: Archant)

Singer/songwriter Lisa Redford, described by Radio 2's Bob Harris as 'One of the Country's Best', and Starston's own Breeze Redwine, recently voted 'South East Entertainment Awards - Best Original Artist' will perform on Friday.

The following day two Stradbroke primary schools will kick things off followed by Stradbroke's Got Talent.

Mr Hugman added: 'Stradbroke's Got Talent is a chance for local young musicians to get their first chance to play in front of an audience.

'We are in the sticks a bit so we like giving musicians who don't have access to recording studios or larger events a pathway.'

Stradisphere 2018: Morganway. Photo: Stradisphere (Image: Stradisphere)

The day will be rounded off with Sam and the Womp who reached number one in the UK charts with Bom Bom in 2012.

Mr Hugman added: 'It is a little bit of a departure from our traditional music but they are really good. It will be a great round off to Saturday with people dancing and a big injection.

'There is a little bit of something for everyone this year. We have two stages - one will be inside a 100ft big top so people will be able to get out of the sun.'

There are large screens to watch the performances and football fans will be able to watch the World Cup.

Red Mecca will perform at Stradisphere 2018. Photo: Stradisphere (Image: Stradisphere)

For youngsters there are plenty of workshops including circus performing and a funfair. Craft stalls, food stalls and camping is available.

For tickets, the full line-up and information visit www.stadisphere.co.uk.

Breeze Redwine will be at Stradisphere 2018. Photo: Stradisphere (Image: Stradisphere)

Hannah Paris will be performing at Stradisphere 2018. Photo: Stradisphere (Image: Stradisphere)

Lisa Redford. Photo: Stradisphere (Image: Stradisphere)

Stradisphere festival (Image: Archant)

Stradisphere festival (Image: Archant)

Stradisphere festival (Image: Archant)

Stradisphere festival (Image: Archant)