ARDROSSAN is set for a Manchester invasion this summer with top bands lining up alongside local talent for a micro-festival of rock, reggae and acoustic music.

Promoters Wake Up The Sun have pulled together a mix of genres from the North West of England, the Central Belt and the Three Towns for the gig on Saturday, August 30, which is a follow-up to their sell out Big Bang event in March.

Across two stages at Ardrossan Civic Centre, the Free As You Are blockbuster will feature an array of visiting acts including a return appearance by ex-Stone Roses and Ian Brown guitarist Aziz Mohammed – Lord of the Strings – with his ‘Asian blues’ style of guitar work.

Talking about Aziz at his 50th Birthday bash in Manchester friend and fellow musician Ian Brown said: “Unlike 99.9 per cent of musicians it’s never been about the money for Aziz.

“He’s the most amazing guitarist – he could be swimming in a guitar shaped pool – but he doesn’t want that. He just cares about music.” Also on the main stage, three-piece Dirty North bring ‘Wythenshawe Dub’ – a mix of rap, hip-hop and reggae.

Supporting The Stone Roses at Heaton Park in front of 75,000 people has made Dirty North one of Manchester’s most promising bands of 2014!

Edinburgh band The Merrylees will play Ardrossan for the first time.

These guys are going from strength to strength in the music scene and are easily one of Scotland’s best new bands.

From closer to home, Glasgow meets Sweden pop punk outfit The Circus Ship return to the Three Towns.

Dave Sharp – co-founder of The Alarm – (pictured left) will headline the Acoustic Stage with an array of local singer songwriter talent including James Rodgers Wully Smith of Will and the Wild Horse and the mastermind behind the event said: “Through collaborations with Aziz – one the best guitarists I’ve ever seen up close – I’ve made some great connections with the Manchester music scene and it’s a real privilege to have them visit the The Three Towns to perform in their own right and also give inspiration and encouragement to local young musicians.” Wully added: “It has been a rocky road to get where we are and together with our fellow musicians, writers and artists we have started a musical revolution and it’s getting bigger.

“Our goal is to provide our beloved towns and people with the best music for the most affordable price.

"We would like to thank our sponsors J & L Print, The Music Room, 3TFM, The Windy Ha’, Jack’s Corner, Big Sparra Vinyl, Art ‘n’ Joy, The Melbourne Fry, Douglas Cattanach Photography, Day Today Stores, The Turkish Food Club and Samms Hairdressers in Irvine for your support – it is truly appreciated.” For tickets contact 07765 518 526 or buy them at The Music Room in Irvine or The Windy Ha’, Saltcoats.