Van Morrison's the man for city Celtic festival

Legendary musician Van Morrison is set to headline a major festival coming to Staffordshire.

The singer is top of the bill for Celtic Roots 2008, which is being held at Catton Hall Park near Lichfield in September.

Tickets have now gone on sale for the three-day event, which will also bring other big-name acts including The Waterboys, The Hothouse Flowers, and emerging singer-songwriter Amy McDonald to the county.

Belfast-born Van - who is set to release his 35th album this year - will take to the stage at Catton Hall on Saturday September 13 to showcase his first new material for three years.

Die-hard fans in the crowd will also be hoping to hear live renditions of his many classic tracks; among them Brown Eyed Girl, Moondance, and Gloria.

Mercury Music Prize nominee Seth Lakeman is among the support acts set to play before Van Morrison's performance.

Celtic Roots will kick off on Friday September 12 with international Irish dance show Magic of the Dance taking over the stage for a two-hour dance extravaganza.

The show is said to echo the routines of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.

The event will come to a close on Sunday September 14, with The Waterboys - who count U2's Bono among their fans - in the headline slot.

Earlier this year Catton Hall Park hosted the Acoustic Festival of Great Britain.

The three-day event saw US band Jethro Tull, songwriter Donovan, and hippy icon Melanie wowing the crowds in Staffordshire.

Tickets went on sale yesterday at www.ticketstogo.co.uk

Standard tickets for Saturday night cost £45, with premium tickets priced at £65.

To find out more about Celtic Roots 2008, call 01543 253576, or visit www.celticroots.tv