ANOTHER popular county music festival has announced another big-name act for its 2021 event.

Following on from the announcement of James Blunt, who is playing at the Sunshine Festival in Upton, Joss Stone has been confirmed for the Mello Festival in Hanley Castle.

The Devon singer-songwriter has been singing soul music since she was a child, releasing her debut album The Soul Sessions in 2003.

A Mellofest spokesman said: "Joss has collaborated with, and contributed to albums for many of the worlds finest musicians, including Jeff Beck, Sting, Mick Jagger. Damien Marley.

READ MORE: James Blunt confirmed for 2021 Sunshine Festival in Upton Upon Severn

"Her love of music and fierce independence has led her to break away from the constraints of being tied to a label and has enabled her to explore many different genres of music.

"The joy that she finds in her chosen artistry has helped her to forge ahead, always looking to break new ground both musically and in her life.

"Joss has completed her most audacious project to date - The Total World Tour - in which she has performed a gig and collaborated with local artists in over 200 countries around the world.

"It is evident that Joss Stone is an independent soul. A true free spirit who is looking forward to her performance at the Mello Festival in 2021."

READ MORE: 2020 Sunshine and Mello Festivals in Upton cancelled

The Mello Festival and Sunshine Festival were both cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers said: "We still cannot confirm whether our festivals will go ahead. As a small business we pray that our festivals do go ahead and it is important for us to stay positive and hope that everyday things get better."

Earlier this month, James Blunt was announced as one of the major new acts at the Sunshine Festival.

He is one of several big name acts who have signed up for the Sunshine Festival in recent years.

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In 2019, Busted played the festival, held over the August bank holiday weekend.

Next year's Sunshine Festival takes place between August 26 and 30. This year's festival had to be cancelled as the coronavirus pandemic hit the events industry.

Held at Fish Meadow, just outside the town, the festival sees thousands of visitors go to the town to enjoy a week of music and fun.

For more information about Sunshine Festival and for more information about tickets, head to www.uptonfestival.co.uk/

For more information about the Mello Festival, go to www.mellofestival.co.uk/