Britain's leading country act - The Shires - are set to headline an Americana festival being held this summer.

With fans on both sides of the Atlantic, the Nashville-based duo, Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, have joined the line-up for the Black Deer Festival, which will be held in Eridge Park near Tunbridge Wells from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23.

The pair have two gold-certified recordbreaking albums and have even worked with Ed Sheeran.

On playing the festival, which means a return to their home country, they said: “We’re really excited to play Black Deer Festival with some of the most influential artists in Americana and country music.

"We can’t wait to perform in the stunning surroundings of Eridge Park in just a few short weeks - it’s going to be a truly special summer show.”

Also announced for the line-up today are Alabama 3, who will present a stripped-down acoustic set. Larry Love of the nine-piece band, said: "Alabama3 are extremely excited to be invited to the Black Deer Festival so keep your stetsons sharp, your yodels high and your hoedowns low."

UK-based four-piece The Magic Numbers, who have previously toured with the likes of Brian Wilson, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The Flaming Lips and The Who, are also set to play, along with bands including The Breretons and Wild Horses and Stephen Spender.

Movie star and singer Kris Kristofferson headlines the first night, with Jessie Buckley, star of the film Wild Rose, singing live at her first festival for the second night and Billy Bragg on the Sunday.

The festival also includes themed food and makers, custom motorcycle culture and outdoor adventures for families, plus cult film screenings.

It will be the second year the event has been held at the park and organiser have expanded the capacity to cater for more festivalgoers.

To book tickets go to blackdeerfestival.com

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