COLCHESTER’S Britpop veterans Blur will headline Isle of Wight Festival.

The four-piece, headed by Damon Albarn, will join Fleetwood Mac, the Prodigy and the Black Keys at the popular festival in June.

Bassist Alex James, who went to Colchester Sixth Form, said: "The British summer is just not complete without a trip to a festival.

“We've never played Isle of Wight Festival before so we're really looking forward to this one. And we get to take our tour bus on a boat."

Earlier this year the group announced they will be releasing a new album, Magic Whip, on April 27.

It will be their first album in 21 years.

Guitarist Graham Coxon said: "These summer shows are going to be quite different to the gigs we did a few years back.

“We're excited to play the new record live and we'll have some surprises in store for the fans too."

The group will headline the Saturday night of the festival, which is held at Seaclose Park, in Newport between June 11 and 14.

Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings said: "I'm a huge fan of Blur and have always wanted to bring them to the Isle of Wight Festival so I'm really pleased we've finally done it.

“I know they're going to blow the crowd away on the Saturday night - see you down the front."