Duran Duran to headline Essex festival

Duran Duran will be headlining the Chelmsford City Live festival next year

Duran Duran has been announced as the next headliner at a festival taking place in 2025.

The multi-award winning band will headline Chelmsford City Live on 5 July at Chelmsford City Racecourse.

They will be joined by Nile Rodgers & CHIC, who they collaborated with on their UK number one single The Reflex.

Promoter Ben Hatton said festival organisers were "delighted" to add the '80s icons to the line-up.

"Their music crosses generations and it is quite the coup to be able to welcome them to Essex for one of only two shows they are headlining in the UK next summer," he added.

Justin Timberlake has already been announced for 4 July, while local Essex star Olly Murs will perform two days later, along with band Blue and singer Lemar.

Head of events at the racecourse, Anthony Coleridge, added he was "absolutely thrilled" with the line-up addition.

"Duran Duran clearly speak for themselves, with such a phenomenal back-catalogue of hit after hit, and to also have special guests Nile Rodgers & CHIC who are responsible for so many of the most iconic songs ever recorded.

"It's also brilliant that the two acts have such a close working relationship, and the synergy of having both on-stage will result in a great evening of music."