Charlatans to play The Chase

The Charlatans have been announced as the latest big-name addition to the line up for this summer's concerts on Cannock Chase.

The band are the second act to be confirmed for the three-night event after veteran rockers Status Quo were unveiled as the headline act for the Friday night concert at Cannock Chase Forest.

Three concerts take place at the Midlands beauty spot over one weekend every summer.

Organisers have now confirmed that the Charlatans will be performing in the Sunday night slot in the spectacular setting.

The critically-acclaimed indie band, headed up by lead singer Tim Burgess, have released 10 albums in a career spanning almost 20 years, racking up several top ten hits including The Only One I Know and North Country Boy.

More than 4,000 people attended last year's concerts, which saw band The Feeling, singer-songwriter James Morrison and pianist Jools Holland take to the stage with special guests including pop legend Lulu.

This year the ticket office at Birches Valley has experienced a boom in sales, with Status Quo fans snapping up the equivalent of a quarter of the total tickets it sold for all three concerts in 2007.

Alastair Semple, forest planner for the Forestry Commission, said sales for the Quo concert had exceeded all expectations.

He said organisers were planning a big push on advertising as soon as all three names have been confirmed.

Anticipation is now growing among music-fans with the third and final act for this year's concerts set to be revealed on February 18.

The Charlatans plus guests will play Cannock Chase Forest on Sunday June 29.

Tickets will go on sale from 9am this Friday at £26 subject to booking fee.

Tickets for the Status Quo gig are priced at £30.

To book call the hotline on 01842 814612, or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/music.