A POPULAR music festival which attracts thousands of fans has announced its first acts as early bird tickets go on sale.

The first acts on the line-up for Soultasia in Maldon have been revealed by organisers.

The Brand New Heavies will be performing a greatest hits full live show, featuring classics including Dream On Dreamer, Back To Love, Stay This Way, You Are The Universe, Never Stop and more.

Gwen Dickey, the voice of Rose Royce, headlined the first ever Soultasia with the band and is returning to the event.

She will be belting out anthems including Carwash, Love Don’t Live Here Anymore, Is It Love You’re After and Wishing On A Star.

A Soultasia spokesman said: “The UK's essential live concert series showcases four decades from some of the world's most legendary soul and disco singers of all time.

“Whether you are taking a stroll down memory lane, or experiencing soul music for the first time, Soultasia is the perfect place to enjoy great music with like minded people.

“Soultasia started in Maldon in 2021 - the pandemic was finally losing and people were venturing out again.

“Rose Royce, Jocelyn Brown, Alexander O'Neal amongst other great artists welcomed back 10,000 festival goers to launch the biggest soul party and the phenomenon that is Soultasia was born.”

Soultasia is returning to Maldon Promenade Park on Saturday, June 8 2024.

Early bird tickets are now on sale for £25.

For ticket, go to skiddle.com/festivals/soultasia--essex.