A DJ set from indie icon Bez from the Happy Mondays plus electronic duo Phats and Small are just some of the highlights of this year's Witney Music Festival which takes place over two days from June 9.

The Marley Experience headlines on Friday and Prodigy tribute act Jilted Generation headlines on Saturday.

Earlier in the day dance music duo Phats and Small, best known for their single Turn Around, will perform. There will be a Bez and Rowetta 'mind bending' DJ set as well.

This year will see a step-up in the inclusion of artists at the festival. 

Organiser Eric Marshall said: "We are looking at a wider genre of music and performance with more female-fronted bands. 

"We have reggae with The Marley Experience soul with Ilselena, experimental hip hop with Crowd Control Collective, dance with Bez and Rowetta DJ sets, and rock with Sons of The 70s."

Witney Gazette: Witney Music Festival 2023

The performers of tomorrow will get their first festival experience through its partnership with Oxfordshire Music and Arts Trust (OxMAT), and Witney talent that are starting to make waves include South Arcade, The Subtheory, Dolly Mavis and Fallen Angels.

Mr Marshall said: "We really can say we have something for everyone and hopefully people will discover something new. 

"We really want to get a name for supporting local artists and new music, and this is something we are building on as we develop our talent pathway for young artists, of which the festival is a key step."

The festival is now partnered with Hook Norton brewery who are bringing a mobile cellar, literally creating a pub in a field.

Mark Graham of the brewery said: "For Witney Music Festival, due to the volume of beer consumed by thirsty festival goers we have a refrigerated artic trailer to hold the bulk of the beer.

"We then have a smaller refrigerated trailer that acts as a mobile pub cellar, to ensure all beers are served at the perfect temperature."

A bar with taps means that cask ale is also poured in the traditional way.

There will also be fairground rides and food and retail stalls for entertainment between bands.

General entry ticket prices remain the same as 2022 at £5 for Friday and £10 for Saturday. Luxury weekend Windrush Radio VIP tickets are £40. Tickets can be purchased at Truck Witney or via the festival's Facebook page.

Witney Music Festival is on June 9/10 on the Leys in Witney.