GALTRES Festival favourites John Otway and Chris Helme have signed up for next year’s tenth birthday celebrations.

Otway, who played to a jam-packed big top in 2011, promises an hour of madcap musical mayhem at the end of next summer’s Galtres Parklands event, starring after the festival headliner in the Black Howl.

“Everyone loved his 2011 show, except me,” said festival director James Houston. “I couldn’t get in! So we’ve got a bigger venue for him this time, and I’ll reserve a place in the front row. I used to go see his show every year at Glastonbury and it was always a highlight. That’s why I’m so excited he’ll be playing in the closing party at our birthday celebrations.”

York singer and songwriter Chris Helme’s confirmation is no surprise: next summer will be his fifth consecutive year at the festival.

“He’s become close to the hearts of thousands of Galtres-goers,” said James. “The former Seahorses front man has played everything at Galtres, from main stage hits with a full band and Shed Seven guest spots, to intimate acoustic solo performances. His Black Howl appearance with his band last year was for many the best of the festival.”

Bellowhead and Levellers are signed up already as joint headliners for the event at Duncombe Park, Helmsley, from August 22 to 24, with more big names to follow.

Festival organisers also hope to show John Otway’s new film, Rock And Roll’s Greatest Failure: Otway The Movie.