MERCURY Music Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy has been announced as the headline act at this summer’s Fringe by the Sea festival.

The singer-songwriter, who has had five top 20 albums, will perform at the North Berwick festival, which is marking its 10th anniversary.

Badly Drawn Boy, real name Damon Gough, takes to the stage on Saturday, August 4 at 9.30pm, with tickets going on sale yesterday evening (Thursday).

He told the Courier: “I’ve seen so much of the UK whilst touring but never been to North Berwick, which I hear is a lovely town by the seaside. I am looking forward to performing there in August and meeting some East Lothian fans.”

Also confirmed for the festival is Terry Hall, formerly the lead singer of The Specials – famous for number one hits Too Much Too Young and Ghost Town. He will be performing a DJ set on August 11 at 9.30pm.

Hipsway, the Scots new wave band formed in 1984 before disbanding five years later, have reformed and are also North Berwick-bound (August 4, 7.30pm).

Other acts added to the bill include Lynn Ruth Miller, the UK’s oldest stand up and burlesque performer, and award-winning comedian Lewis Schaffer.

They will be joined by big names in comedy, music and literature such as rappers The Sugarhill Gang, comedians Jerry Sadowitz and Phil Kay, soul singer Mica Paris, David Steel in conversation with Ruth Davidson MSP and former Bishop of Edinburgh Richard Holloway, saxophonist Tommy Smith, world-renowned guitarist John Goldie, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, Geno Washington, The Manfreds, Withered Hand, and author/journalist Misha Glenny.

The August 3-12 festival’s anniversary is also being marked by a series of events hosted by East Lothian Council Countryside Ranger Service.

These include guided North Berwick Law walks on August 7 and 8, while Rockpool Delight events on August 3 and 6 will look at the plants and animals that can be found locally.

There will also be Wildlife Explorer bike trips – two-hour cycles along the coast with regular stops to take in all the county has to offer.

A more leisurely event will be the Wild About East Lothian People Carrier Tour (August 8-10), which promises those involved the best of the county’s wildlife and cultural past.

Eamon John, East Lothian Council’s sport, countryside and leisure manager, said: “The Countryside Ranger Service is at the forefront of ensuring the coast receives wise and sustainable management, connecting people to wildlife in order that this special place can be protected and enjoyed for the long-term. Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in one of their guided events.”

Niall Middleton, director of Fringe by the Sea, added: “We live in such a beautiful spot and are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for people to get out and about in East Lothian.”

Courier columnist Dave Berry will also be inviting locals and visitors alike to Walk the Toun with him.

The hub of the festival will be two spiegeltents at the harbour area but there will also be a few more unusual venues, including popular fish and chip shop, North Berwick Fry. For ticket details, see www.fringebythesea.com