Downton's Elizabeth McGovern at Isle of Wight Festival

Elizabeth McGovern has her own band called Sadie and the Hotheads

Downton Abbey star Elizabeth McGovern has been confirmed as one of the acts performing on the main stage at this year's Isle Of Wight Festival.

Promoter John Giddings promised to roll out the red carpet for the actress, who plays the Countess of Grantham in the ITV1 period drama.

McGovern, 50, will be singing with rock band Big Country, whose hits include In a Big Country and Fields of Fire.

She said: "I am thrilled to be playing with such a stellar cast of musicians."

McGovern has her own band called Sadie and the Hotheads, who are also to perform at the festival.

Tony Butler from Big Country said: "We had a tradition of working with great female vocalists such as Kate Bush and Eddi Reader in the past, so having the opportunity to have Elizabeth perform with us at the IOW is going to be really cool."

Mr Giddings said: "I have been a fan since Once Upon A Time In America.

"As soon as I found out that Elizabeth could sing, it was a must to invite her to play at the festival.

"We will roll out the red carpet for Lady Cora."

Both bands will be performing on 23 June.

The date of the festival has been moved from its normal slot in early June, to avoid clashing with the Diamond Jubilee and half-term holidays.

The weekend of 22-24 June is traditionally taken by the Glastonbury Festival but it is taking a year off.

Headliners for the festival include Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen.