THE first names on the Nozstock line-up suggest the festival will serve up an even bigger slice of rural eccentricity this summer.

Names already ripe for the picking on the Hidden Valley’s orchard stage are the Strypes, four rhythm and blues upstarts hailing from Cavan, Ireland, who are busy causing a stir by drawing from the songbooks of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Howlin’ Wolf.

The legendary Chas n Dave will be hoping for a right old knees-up at the festival, held at Rowden Paddocks, Bromyard, from Friday to Sunday, July 26 to 28, with reggae singer Ava Leigh, summer- loving Dub Pistols, ska movement spearheads the Beat and the Americana of Bhi Bhiman.

Also wrapped up in this year’s Wild West theme are punk rockers the Computers and the female-led pop-rock mash-up Velvet Stream.

Organiser Ella Nosworthy said: “I think the line-up is more diverse than ever this year. There is a real range of acts old and new.

“Some of the up-and-coming artists are just amazing live.

There is so much talent there and it’s really exciting to have them coming to Herefordshire.

“I think overall this year the festival has taken a big step up, not just in line-up but in production too. I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised.”

Drum and bass will once again feature strongly, with RAM Records taking over the Cubicles on Saturday night.

Andy C’s production house is famed for selecting the finest in upcoming bass talent and they will present sets from the likes of Wilkinson, Loadstar, Loko and MC Visionobi in the festival’s dance arena, housed in a converted cowshed.

And for those revellers wanting a few more home comforts, Yippee Yurts are offering already assembled canvas bell tents furnished with scatter cushions, textile rugs, fleecy throws and decorated around the entrance with solar fairy lights.

The Yippee Village comes complete with a covered chillout area with chairs, tables, barbecues and charging facilities for mobiles.

A luggage porter service is also available to continue the life of luxury throughout the weekend.

For more information and tickets, go to nozstock.com.