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A North Belfast festival is moving on up after securing iconic singer Heather Small for their line-up.

The Woodvale Festival will be headlined by the voice of M People whose hits like One Night in Heaven were anthems of the 1990s.

Being described as the Shankill’s “first major culture and arts festival” it will take place from the Monday, July 9 until Wednesday, July 11 at Woodvale Park.

Entrance to all events at the festival will be free of charge with tickets available through a number of outlets in the Shankill/Woodvale area.

Other acts include Sonique and K-Klass. There is also a Clubland Live event on July 9 featuring Basshunter, Alice Deejay, Love Inc. as well as Belfast DJ Mickey Modelle.

Colin Anderson, Chairperson of Woodvale Festival, said: “We are delighted with the quality programme for our first major culture and arts festival which we know will appeal to local people and visitors alike. We would like to thank Belfast City Council and International Fund for Ireland for making it possible.”

And the festival is not all about live acts. Composer Joe Duddell, best known for his work with acts including New Order, James and Elbow will be working with young people.

Colin added: “As well as live entertainment and outdoor events, we have a wider arts programme working with artists of international stature. We want to make sure that our first major festival leaves a lasting legacy for future years.”

The festival will also include a range of local cultural performances and acts engaging with different groups including Ballysillan Highland Dancers. The Sport Against Racism football programme for local children and young people will also take place.

The annual family event, including inflatable games and fairground amusements will also take place as usual in Woodvale Park from 1pm to 5pm on July 11. No tickets are required for this event.

For details of community outlets and more information visit www.woodvale-festival.co.uk . Tickets will be available from Wednesday, June 27.

Alfie McCrory, another event organiser, said tickets "are free from local outlets in the Greater Shankill, which is to ensure ease of access for residents of the area".

He added: "Obviously, anyone from elsewhere who wishes to attend the festival are free to come and get their tickets at the local outlets in Greater Shankill."

The festival is supported by Belfast City Council and International Fund for Ireland.

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