A CONTROVERSIAL American three-piece band are set to ensure a music festival will return with a bang.

In 2018, Corbridge Festival didn’t go ahead for the first time since its inception in 2011, but big things are expected of the festival this year as it is spread over two days for the first time.

Organiser Cheryl Durkin has caused a stir by announcing most of the line-up for the event, to be held at Tynedale Rugby Club on June 28 and 29, with New York band Fun Lovin’ Criminals confirmed as the headline act for the festival.

The band, best known for their hit Scooby Snacks, have courted controversy in the past with lyrics about organised crime and violence, but have gained a worldwide following through the release of six albums.

Fun Lovin’ Criminals join 1990s rock band Reef on the top billing for the festival. Reef, who are famed for their top 10 single Place Your Hands, were announced as the headliners for the opening day back in December.

Most of the acts to play over the two days were recently announced, with other big names set to appeal to music fans.

None more so than recently-reformed Sunderland post-punk rockers, The Futureheads, who hit the mainstream with their self-titled debut album in 2004.

Beatboxing trio Bloxed Beats have been big fans’ favourites at Corbridge twice already, and they will return for a third time.

Also making a return by popular demand is North-East folksters Baghdaddies.

They will share the stage with Ben Ottewell, one of the three main vocalists in cult indie rock band Gomez.

Also announced for the festival was Martha Hill, Only the Poets, Dan Donnelly, Blistered Molly, Talk Like Tigers, The Cornshed Sisters, Tall Shaves, Kay Greyson, Hadrian’s Union, La Sonora Boreal, Tony Basnett, Gilded Thieves, Salsolar, Komparrison and Beth Robinson.