ROCK band Toseland has been announced as the headline act at Lye’s Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival 2016.

The Dudley Road-based charity’s annual festival, which this year takes place on Sunday, May 8, regularly attracts more than 10,000 people and follows the 23-mile motorcycle ride out – one of the most popular biker events in the UK.

Fronted by former World Superbike Champion James Toseland, the headline band are expected to be a huge hit with bikers and music fans alike.

James said: “The band and I are so excited to be playing at the Bike4Life Festival. It's such a huge year for the band with my second album coming out on March 11 and touring Europe for the first time with Black Stone Cherry.

“This festival comes only weeks after we will have finished our headline shows around the UK, so we will be fully up to speed ready for an amazing day of music and motorcycling.

“It's always a pleasure performing in front of my old family of biker friends and I'm sure it will be a great day.”

Tickets are already selling fast for the 2016 fest, and with James and his band being announced as the headline act, it expected sales will go through the roof for the popular event.

Jason Levy, chair of the organising committee, said: “Toseland is the perfect fit for the Bike4Life Festival, with fantastic music and a former motorcycle racing legend, the atmosphere on the day is going to be electric.”

Visitors to the festival will once again find a host of activities and displays to watch. As well as the music on the main stage, there will be a range of refreshment stands, exhibitions, tutorials and stalls.

However, due to the popularity of the event, there are only 3,500 places available in the ride out, making pre-registration a must.

Tickets for one biker and pillion as well as entry to the festival cost £10, while entry to the festival only is £5 per person.

All the proceeds from the events will be donated towards the life-saving work of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

For more information, or to register for tickets for the ride out and festival, visit www.bike4lifefest.com