A FIELD in North Yorkshire will be turned into a huge open-air disco – with the help of actor, comedian and DJ Craig Charles

He will be bringing his Funk and Soul Show to the Willowman Festival at Knayton, near Thirsk, next month.

He will be joined by Smoove and Turrell who will bring their contemporary fusion of Northern soul, hip-hop, jazz and funk to the event.

The two acts will top off what has been dubbed Funky Friday with festival-goers encouraged to dress in 1970s outfits for the evening.

The reggae sound of Bob Marley will also feature at the festival with a Saturday night bill-topping appearance by The Wailers.

The appearance of The Wailers is expected to draw the biggest crowd yet to the family- friendly festival at the Hillside Rural Activities Park from June 19 to 22.

Now in its fifth year, the Willowman Festival has gained a national reputation for offering an eclectic line up of both new and established artists.

Festival director Steve Williams said: “Every time Craig has been to Yorkshire he has had venues jumping. We are planning to make Willowman a huge open air disco for the night and everyone is invited to don their whackiest funky ‘fros and flairs’ fancy dress, with prizes for the best.”

For details visit willowmanfestival.co.uk