MUSIC lovers will be treated to big name stars and new up-and-coming artists as two popular Oxfordshire festivals unveil their line-ups.

Elvis Costello, James Morrison, Seasick Steve, Pixie Lott, Jools Holland, Will Young and Oxford-born comedian/actor turned musician Hugh Laurie are among the acts unveiled today for this summer’s Cornbury Festival in June.

The event, previously held at Cornbury Park, near Charlbury, moved to a new site at nearby Great Tew, last year. This will be its ninth year.

The team behind Truck Festival, at Steventon near Abingdon, have also revealed the first names on their bill.

They include folk-pop band Mystery Jets, former Mercury Music Prize nominees Villagers and Essex artist Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. The festival will take place in June, at Hill Farm, where it has been held for the past 14 years.

Joining the headline acts at Cornbury will be Irish country-rockers Waterboys, Essex songstress Alison Moyet, Danny & The Champions of the World, Newton Faulkner, Tom Baxter, Marc Almond, Nerina Pallot, Norwegian instrumentalists Katzenjammer, and American singer Macy Gray, making her first UK festival appearance.

Laurie, who made his name as one half of comic duo Fry and Laurie with Stephen Fry, and with roles in comedy Black Adder, is now better known as the star of US medical drama House. He will appear with his Copper Bottom Band, playing jazz and blues.

Cornbury has repeatedly failed to make a profit, and, two years ago, went into liquidation. The festival was saved by a deal between organiser Hugh Phillimore and music promoter 3A Entertainment. Last year it attracted 13,000 people.

“Getting the artist bill together is always a nail-biting task,” said Mr Phillimore.

“However, I think we’ve raised the bar yet again with some great exclusives and a fantastic range of artists.”

Truck festival, meanwhile, has always been a favourite of followers of the Oxford band scene, and continues to showcase exciting new talent.

Other names booked to play this year include experimental rockers 65 Days of Static, Dog is Dead, Tellison, Theme Park, and Boat to Row. Local talent comes from Yellow Fever, Very Nice Harry and Fine Union, who won slots through a bands competition.

New festival director Ralph Broadbent said: “We’re pleased with the way it’s all going. Truck was always a pioneering festival and it’s a privilege to be involved.”

thughes@oxfordmail.co.uk l Cornbury Festival takes place from June 29-July 1. For weekend tickets (£175 for adults with camping) see cornburyfestival.com l Truck Festival runs from July 20-21. For weekend tickets (£69 with camping) see truckfestival.com