Organisers of an Americana and country music festival which had its inaugural event this year are to increase its capacity when it returns.

The Black Deer Festival was held at Eridge Park near Tunbridge Wells in the summer and featured Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland and his band, Nashville star Sam Palladio, and Glen Campbell's daughter Ashley Campbell.

Next year's summer return will also be held at Eridge with a capacity increased to 10,000 after its first year success.

The first headliner confirmed is boisterous South Carolina-based Band Of Horses, led by charismatic frontman Ben Bridwell who have released five studio albums featuring singles including The Funeral and no One's Gonna Love You.

Hayseed Dixie will entertain festival fans with bluegrass covers of rock songs from the likes of AC/DC, Black Sabbath, KISS and Motorhead while Australian rock act the John Butler Trio, who have sold multi platinum albums of their brand of alternative rock and bluegrass will perform a rare UK show.

Also on the line-up is Northumberland punk star Jade Bird who has performed on Later With Jools Holland and the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in the US, Nashville-based Atlanta born sisters Larkin Poe with their riff heavy blues-rock and southern harmonies, Devon folk star John Smith, roots and blues singer Martin Harley and blues star Watermelon Slim.

Raised in a roadhouse brothel in New Mexico, Ryan Bingham is a poster boy for American roots music and has won an Oscar, a Grammy and a Golden Globe while Grammy-winning folk musician and guitarist from the Old Crow Medicine Show, Chance McCoy will also perform.

Morganway, Australian country and blues, singer-songwriter William Crighton, fiddle playing showman Gordie Mackeeman & His Rhythm Boys and country rock duo and multi instrumentalists Worry Dolls will also perform.

The festival aims to be a celebration of the Americana and country music culture with themed food and drink including pitmasters, butchers and woodsmen, a Smokehouse Cookout Competition, food demos, craft beers and campfires.

The Roadhouse stage will welcome custom bike builders and there will be a kids' and teens' area where they can learn new skills and explore nature and learn musical instruments.

Partners for the event include the Americana Music Association UK (AMA UK), Orange Amplification, Desertscene, Barons Speed Shop, Supajam and Tunbridge Wells Forum.

DETAILS

The Black Deer Festival will be held at Eridge Park, near Tunbridge Wells from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23, 2019. To book Tier One tickets now on sale from £105, plus a booking fee, visit blackdeerfestival.com