Now celebrating its fifth year, the festival at Tudor Grange Park in Solihull has already confirmed eight great acts for what looks set to be the biggest year yet on July 25th and 26th.

R&B legends, Kool and the Gang, promise a high-energy, soulful and funky set on Saturday 25th July. They’ve earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten pop hits, 31 gold & platinum albums and sold over 70 million albums worldwide.

They’ll be joined by 80s soul superstars, Shalamar, who had massive hits with A Night to Remember, I Can Make You Feel Good and Make That Move. They promise to be a powerful and energetic act.

UK acid jazz and funk royalty, The Brand New Heavies, will be gracing the main stage on the back of sell-out shows across Europe, 2 million album sales and 16 Top 40 hits. Also appearing on Saturday are electronic dance duo, Snap!, who enjoyed two Number 1 hits with The Power and Rhythm is a Dancer.

First to be announced for Sunday’s line up is one of pop’s greatest vocalists, Tony Hadley, who fronted 80s New Romantic band, Spandau Ballet. The band had numerous chart-topping singles and albums all over the world, including the international number one True, and the unofficial London Olympics theme Gold.

Also on Sunday’s line-up is the internationally acclaimed Belinda Carlisle, who successfully pursued her solo career after leaving the Go-Go’s in 1984. She had 18 solo singles in the UK Top 40 Charts including Heaven is a Place on Earth.

With a career spanning four decades, Leo Sayer, is sure to get the crowds singing along on the Sunday. His first seven hit singles in the UK all reached the Top 10.

Out of the punk explosion during the summer of 1976, come From The Jam – featuring Russell Hastings, Bruce Foxton and Mike Randon. With Bruce Foxton being the original bassist from The Jam band, they will be playing all of The Jam’s greatest hits on the Sunday.

Organiser, Ian Rogers, said, “We’re excited that The Solihull Summer Fest is attracting big names that have and still bring so much enjoyment to so many of us. The response to next year’s event has been positively overwhelming and just confirms that Solihull is now firmly on the summer festival map for an unmissable weekend of incredible live music and entertainment for all ages.

“There are still plenty more amazing acts to be announced – including our headliner for the Sunday – but you’ll all have to wait until February!”

Tickets are currently on Super Early Bird prices – with VIP and Premium options available. For more information and to buy tickets online visit www.solihullsummerfest.co.uk or visit the High Street shop in Solihull, B91 3SX (opposite the Masons Arms).