A FESTIVAL has announced its first wave of artists as it prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Dance music legends Basement Jaxx and Motown divas Martha Reeves and the Vandellas are among the acts to appear at this summer's Beat-Herder festival at Dockber Farm, near Sawley, in the Ribble Valley.

The festival, taking place from Friday, July 17, to Sunday, July 19, has grown from its origins as a humble free party to an annual three-day 12,000 capacity bonanza with a legion of fans.

This year's line-up will also feature Parov Stelar Band, Catz 'N Dogz, Shiba San, Paul Woolford, Andrew Weatherall, Plump DJs, Vanilla Ace and Dreadzone, with more acts to be announced in the coming weeks.

Each year unexpected new areas magically appear for festival-goers to stumble upon and last year’s new additions included a swimming pool in the woods — housed in a Scandinavian-style wooden cabin, complete with changing rooms and lifeguards — and The Ring, a huge earth mound with a Stonehenge-esque entrance.

The staunchly independent festival is unique in that it stays true to its roots and shuns all corporate sponsorship or branding.

This year Beat-Herder was crowned winner of the Extra Festival Activity Award at the UK Festival Awards, an award that recognises events that paid that extra bit of attention to detail to create a magical and unforgettable festival experience.

For more information and tickets, visit beatherder.co.uk.