A CELEBRATED North Tyne piper has been announced to headline this year’s Holy Island Festival.

Kathryn Tickell OBE will perform with her youth folk band Superfolkus at the village hall on Sunday, July 16.

Superfolkus is a training and mentoring scheme for young musicians aged between 15 and 25, founded and led by Kathryn herself.

This year, the festival spans three successive weekends – July 1 and 2, July 8 and 9 and July 15 and 16 – expecting to reach more than 12,000 visitors.

Kathryn said: “I’m very much looking forward to playing at the Holy Island Festival. It’s a magical place.

“I’ve been a visitor to the island many times and love the atmosphere and the very special feeling you get – particularly if you’re lucky enough to be able to stay there when the tide comes in!

“I’m bringing a group of talented young musicians with me, the group Superfolkus.

“Don’t be fooled into thinking ‘aw, a load of kids, how sweet.’ These musicians are totally professional and are making fantastic music. I am proud to play alongside them.”