A MUSIC festival which last year was headlined by rockers Idlewild will return to Dunbar later this year.

The Dunbar Daytripper festival returns to Lauderdale Park in September, with food, music and storytelling all on the set list.

The inaugural festival, which took place last year, attracted more than 700 people and organisers are hoping for more of the same later this year.

Internationally-acclaimed Scottish trio Fatherson will headline the festival on September 9, with support coming from an array of local artists.

Claire Gray, who has helped organise the event, was already counting down to the event.

She said: “Fatherson are fantastic and they managed to fill the King Tut’s Wah Wah Tent at T in the Park a few years ago.

“They are getting rave reviews and have just finished their UK and European tour.

“They are going to be recording a new album as well and will be playing songs from their current album at the festival. They are really excited to be coming as well.”

The alternative-rock band, originally from Ayrshire and now based in Glasgow, are known for their distinct brand of soaring, melodic anthems.

Ross Leighton (guitar and vocals), Marc Strain (bass) and Greg Walkinshaw (drums) have played in the UK and Europe with bands such as Twin Atlantic, Lonely The Brave, Enter Shikari, Frightened Rabbit and last year’s headliners Idlewild.

Ross said: “We are really looking forward to finishing our festival season at Daytripper this year.

“We cannot wait to play some songs from our current album Open Book and singalong with everyone!”

Two singles – Mine For Me and I Like Not Knowing – from the band’s self-released debut album I Am An Island secured national support and airplay from BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, Zane Lowe and Greg James.

Since then, they have performed at T in the Park and their second album Open Book was released last year.

Claire told the Courier the success of last year’s festival and Idlewild’s performance had spread through the music industry.

She added: “Idlewild said it was one of the best festivals and they were really happy with the sound, lighting and the stage set-up. I think that has got around the industry and people are happy to come and play for us.”

As well as Fatherson, support will come from a variety of local musicians, including Posable Action Figures, Alex Cornish, Dropkick, Alan Gray, Shuna Lovelle and Bugeyed.

There will also be a youth stage showcasing up and coming young talent in conjunction with ELJam and East Lothian Council, as well as storytelling from Coastword and music-making from Dunbar Music School.

Away from the music, there will be food stalls catering for vegetarian, vegan, coeliac, allergy-friendly and meat-eaters needs.

Thistly Cross Cider, based at Dunbar, will provide the licensed bar, offering award-winning craft cider, plus ale and Prosecco.

Claire added: “It’s going to be bigger and better. We really hope there will be more music, with more food providers coming on board as well.”

Tickets, with a family option too this year, are available and go on sale via www.dunbardaytripper.co.uk from today (Thursday).