A new festival, Summer Days Festival has been announced, with Simply Red named as the first of three major headliners.

Taking place from 6-9 July 2016 in the grounds of the historic Clitheroe Castle, Summer Days Festival received a nod from the band’s frontman.

“I like an anniversary, and this is a big one,” said Mick Hucknall. “30 years. It’s incredible. What a great thing to celebrate.”

Summer Days is a three-day boutique music and food festival with two live stages featuring more than 30 artists, a locally sourced gourmet food village and a dedicated real ale area.

More elements will be announced soon, according to organiser John Tyrrell.

“Clitheroe Castle is the perfect location for Summer Days. The grounds are stunning and the castle itself as a magical backdrop is going to be jaw dropping,” he added. “It’s also not the first time a music festival has happened on this site. Clitheroe Castle Pop Festival ran here for four years in the early 70s with artists like Barclay James Harvest, UFO, Roy Harper and MC5 so in a way we are rekindling the fire.

“It’s going be a quintessentially English summer event – great food and drink, a fun, friendly atmosphere and some seriously good music.”

In addition to the Summer Days Festival, The Grand in Clitheroe will be hosting a fringe festival featuring three nights of live music, comedy and entertainment at the venue.