THE first wave of acts for next year’s Camp Bestival have been announced.

Music lovers were given an early festive treat this morning after the event’s organisers posted a list of performers that will take to the stage next summer on their website.

Visitors can expect to see worldwide-selling artists including Simple Minds, Rick Astley, Clean Bandit, Orbital and Basement Jaxx (DJ Set), who will headline the event.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the theme of the festival will be ‘sailing’ and the event’s organiser, Rob Da Bank, has invited festival-goers to come aboard the Camp Bestival boat for a non-stop party.

He said: “Ahoy there, shipmates and anchors aweigh! HMS Camp Bestival is ready to set sail with our first wave of salty seadogs to announce. Expect the unexpected from rock giants Simple Minds and Shed Seven to dance gurus Orbital and Basement Jaxx and a cheeky bit of Rick Astley too… and that’s just the music. From River Cottage feasts and animatronic dinosaurs, to Insect Circuses, pantomimes and a gin festival, it’s full steam ahead for 2018. All aboard!”

Details of when the headline acts will perform have also been announced on the Camp Bestival website.

The announcement said: “Bringing all three of our headliners above board for this first announcement, we are delighted to reveal that Simple Minds will be heading leeward-ho on Sunday night topping the bill before our epic fireworks finale.

“Effortlessly sailing the rickrolling waves, baritone crooner Rick Astley will be joining us to headline Friday night. And we are very excited indeed to announce that Saturday’s chief seafarers are huge Camp Bestival favourites, Clean Bandit.

“Keeping the big guns firing there will also be a big top headline appearance from techno trailblazers Orbital on Sunday night and Basement Jaxx will hit the decks in big ol’ blue on Saturday night.”

It adds: “As ever, family shows and entertainment are front and centre on the promenade deck with top billing turns from long time CB legend Mr Tumble and Castle Stage faves Dick and Dom."

Commenting on their return, the children's entertainers said: “We're back for our seventh year. HUZAAAR!!! Setting sail now in our tiny pink tub. See you in the summer, you nautical sea monkeys!”

There will also be plenty of exciting food, interesting talks, and entertainment on offer.

Camp Bestival will take place at Lulworth Castle from July 26-29. For more information visit www.campbestival.net