AN Oxfordshire music festival has unveiled the stellar line-up of artists which will help it celebrate its golden anniversary.

Towersey Festival will mark its 50th year this summer with a host of stars from the world of acoustic music, including folk-rock pioneer Richard Thompson.

Thompson, a founder member of Fairport Convention and a man widely recognised as amongst the world’s best guitarists, will join a line-up which also includes Seth Lakeman, Lau, Norma Waterson, Eliza and Martin Carthy, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, Georgia Ruth, Dick Gaughan, John Smith, Nancy Kerr, James Fagan and The Urban Folk Quartet.

The event’s opening night will be headlined by tribute band The Bootleg Beatles.

The five-day feast of performing art, the county’s last big summer festival, takes place in the village of the same name, close to Thame, from August 21-25.

More than 10,000 people joined last year’s event.

The festival began life in 1965 as a means of funding renovations to the village hall.

It grew from a one-day concert to a multi-day celebration of the arts, with an emphasis on acoustic and folk music.

Festival Director Joe Heap, whose grandfather helped found the event, said: “We’re very proud indeed to be celebrating Towersey Festival’s Golden Jubilee.

“The annual event has grown considerably since those early days, but it remains one of the most welcoming and friendly festivals in the UK.

“We’re looking forward to marking 50 years with some very special guests and announcements, and also welcoming friends both old and new.”

Tickets for the festival cost from £55-£120, with under fives getting in for free. Camping is also available. Day tickets cost from £10-£40.

  • For further information and to book tickets, call 023 8071 1818 or go to towerseyfestival.com