Big Country will top the bill on day one of BishFest in July

The Scottish rockers will top the bill on the opening day of BishFest, staged by Bishop Auckland FC, in July.

They have been brought in as an equally big-name replacement for Bad Manners, who have had to pull out of all planned performances this year due to illness suffered by larger-than-life front man Buster Bloodvessel.

He collapsed on stage during a performance in Perugia, Italy, and was rushed into hospital last week amid concerns for his long-term health.

While wishing Buster a speedy recovery, BishFest director, Steve Coulthard, the chairman of Bishop Auckland FC, said they moved quickly to fill the headline spot at the new festival.

Bic Country have been announced as the new healine act on the first day of the new BishFest music festival in Bishop Auckland in July (Image: BishFest)

The festival website announced the replacements, stating: “Big Country bring their unmistakable anthemic rock sound to BishFest, delivering the soaring guitars and powerful choruses that made them one of the UK’s most distinctive bands.

BishFest promo for the new summer music festival at the home of Bishop Auckland FC (Image: BishFest)

“With a catalogue packed full of classic hits and festival-ready favourites, their live show combines energy, atmosphere and sing-along moments in equal measure.

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“Expect a headline set built for big crowds and even bigger memories.”

They will be among 14 bands performing over the weekend of July 11/12 at the new festival, staged at the club’s Heritage Park stadium, just off the A688 in the town.

Further details of the rest of the line-up and ticket prices, including an “early bird” offer, can be found via: – www.bishfest.co.uk, the festival website.