Celtic punk band The Pogues have been confirmed as Saturday night’s headline act for this year’s Stockton Weekender festival, running Friday 3 to Sunday 5 August.

This announcement follows that of Sit Down hit makers James headlining the Sunday night with a very special acoustic set from Simon and Oscar of Ocean Colour Scene just before them. 

The Pogues are famed for their raucous live shows, which sell out the world over. The band formed in London in 1982 and reached international prominence with hits such as Irish Rover, Rainy Night in Soho, Tuesday Morning and, most notably, number 1 hit Fairytale of New York (ft Kirsty MacColl); which has given the band chart success consecutively since 2005. 

The band, fronted by Shane MacGowan, have had a rocky history – MacGowan left the band in 1991, due to drinking problems, and The Clash front man Joe Strummer temporarily stepped in. After numerous line-up changes the group disbanded in 1996. 

After a 5-year absence the band, including MacGowan, joined forces once more for a Christmas tour, leading Q Magazine to name The Pogues as one of the “50 Bands To See Before You Die”. They have been selling out arenas, festivals ever since and in March 2011 they played a sold out U.S tour. 

The Stockton show is currently the only UK date to be announced this year. 

Tees Music Alliance Director, Paul Burns, said “Bringing a band like The Pogues into Stockton is a massive boost for Stockton Weekender – it shows that the festival is on the radar of some of the country’s top booking agents and the artists they represent. 

“It’s a real coup to land The Pogues – and when you look at this booking, alongside that of James the following night, it has the makings of a top notch weekend for everyone.” 

Announced to play on Sunday 5 August is Sunderland group Hyde & Beast, featuring Futureheads drummer Dave Hyde on lead vocals. Described as "Delicate and beautiful" by NME, the group have built up an impressive following after a string of successful shows across the U.K. 

New York singer-songwriter Willy Mason completes a trio of new announcements for the Stockton Weekender; making a welcome return to Stockton-on-Tees and his Stockton Weekender debut. 

They join American indie rockers We Are Scientists and Brighton 6-piece The Go! Team. 

More line up announcements are still to come, but tickets are already selling incredibly fast. Early Bird tickets have been held to 2011 rates and are now on sale priced £15 a day, £25 for the weekend and £45 for camping. Ticket prices will increase in price from Tuesday 1 May onwards. 

2012 will see the return of a Second Stage to the festival site, which will play host to a mixture of local talent and high profile acts, as well as the Tees Active Cabaret Tent hosting a mixture of comedy, music and family entertainment. 

As with last year each adult ticket entitles the holder to 2 free Under 14s tickets. Tickets are HERE or call 01642 606612.