Ahoy there travellers and buccaneers!

Lightning Seeds have been unveiled as the headline music act for Hartlepool Dockfest 2009 - the two-day, free extravaganza of family entertainment at the town’s Marina on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July. Lightning Seeds have a brand new single out now 'Ghosts', followed by an album on Monday 18th May, 'Four Winds.'

Dockfest is being organised by the Council as a prelude to 7-10 August 2010 when the town will welcome up to 100 tall ships and up to a million visitors to celebrate the finale of The Tall Ships’ Races.

The centrepiece will be a ‘Big Entertainment Tent’ in front of Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience - a giant marquee which will host the music line-up on the Saturday and a programme of comedy on the Sunday.

Most famous for The Three Lions official England anthem for Euro ’96 which shot to the top of the charts, The Lightning Seeds have had several top 20 singles and albums.

The popular Liverpool band will be the headline act on Saturday 4 July. Support bands are expected to be announced soon. Earlier in the day local bands will feature including the winner of the ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition which is currently being staged at venues around the town.

Stephen Cashman, the Council’s Strategic Arts Manager, said: “ We are delighted to secure The Lightning Seeds to headline Hartlepool Dockfest 2009. We feel the band will have broad appeal and prove to be a big hit with local people and others beyond.

"It is important the event is a success because it is part of the build up to The Tall Ships’ Races 2010. Over the next few weeks we will be looking to secure the supporting music acts as well as confirming the comedy programme for the Sunday."

Dockfest will also feature a host of other free entertainment for all ages including street theatre and the colourful Community Cavalcade.

For more information about Hartlepool Dockfest 2009 log onto www.hartlepooldockfest09.com